Climate Map Reveals Record-Warm Temperatures Across the U.S.

Unprecedented Heat Across the Nation

As we enter late September, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the warmest years on record for the contiguous United States. The year's temperature trends, captured in a detailed map based on August data, show widespread heat anomalies stretching across the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and Southern Plains.

"For the contiguous United States, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the hottest years ever recorded," I noted in my review of NOAA's climate data.

The map visualizes how far temperatures have departed from the long-term average (1991–2020) across all 50 states. Wyoming emerged as the hardest-hit state, with Lander recording a temperature anomaly of 5.4 degrees above normal through August. Arizona followed closely behind, where Phoenix experienced a 5.2-degree departure from average, and Texas ranked third with Amarillo logging a similar 5.2-degree spike.

Regional Patterns and Temperature Extremes

The extreme heat was particularly pronounced in the interior West. Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Idaho all ranked among the top 10 states for temperature deviation, creating a belt of intense warmth that extends from the Southwest into the Rocky Mountains. These regions are especially vulnerable to the compound effects of heat and drought.

By contrast, the Northeast showed relatively smaller departures from average temperatures. States like Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and New York were among the closest to normal conditions, though even these areas experienced notable warming trends.

El Niño's Role in the Heat Wave

The unusually warm conditions have unfolded alongside the development of what meteorologists are calling a "Super El Niño." Forecasters predict this could become one of the strongest El Niño events in recent memory. While El Niño typically brings warmth to certain regions, scientists also point to warming ocean temperatures in the Atlantic basin as a contributing factor.

AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva explained, "I think that the unusually warm temperatures across the United States is related in part due to El Niño, but also in part due to the very warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic basin. Warmer water temperatures can help to add more heat to the planet overall."

While this El Niño could bring a very warm winter globally, DaSilva noted that it's important not to assume all regions will experience above-average temperatures. The variability of global climate patterns means some areas may still see below-normal conditions.

Drought Conditions Intensify

The extreme heat has coincided with increasingly dry conditions across large swaths of the country. According to NOAA, drought covered 59.1 percent of the contiguous United States at the beginning of September—an increase of more than 10 percentage points from early August.

Record-breaking heat was widespread in the West, Southwest, and southern Rockies. California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado each recorded their warmest August on record. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado also posted their warmest summers on record.

What Lies Ahead?

NOAA's September outlook favors above-average temperatures across much of the country. With several months still remaining in the year, 2026 remains on track to join the most exceptional warm years in modern U.S. climate history.

This data reinforces the need for continued attention to climate trends and their impacts on agriculture, public health, infrastructure, and wildfire risk. As we move into the fall months, it's crucial that policymakers, scientists, and communities alike remain vigilant about heat-related risks and prepare for a potentially challenging winter season.

While these trends are not unprecedented in a warming world, they do represent a significant escalation in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The implications for economic sectors such as agriculture and energy, as well as for public health and safety, underscore the importance of ongoing climate monitoring and adaptive planning.