Both NOAA and AccuWeather anticipate a summer in 2026 that will be warmer than usual across a majority of the United States, with the most pronounced heat expected in the West, Pacific Northwest, and Southern regions. The Southwest and South Central areas are predicted to experience the highest levels of heat, especially in July. Experts caution that energy costs may rise sharply as air conditioning usage increases. The Pacific Northwest is also at risk of drought and wildfires along with the heat, while the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are set to experience rising temperatures in early June.
