July Was the Hottest Month Ever Recorded in the Lower 48, NOAA Says
NOAA data shows July 2026 set a Lower 48 heat record, with unusually warm nights raising health concerns as drought and seasonal heat risks persist.
NOAA
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Prolonged western heat wave continues as drought risk expands across the Great Plains and Corn Belt
A NOAA outlook identifies persistent western heat and rising rapid-onset drought risk in parts of the Great Plains and Corn Belt through Aug. 10.
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NOAA Notice Outlines In-Season Recreational-Fishing Action for 2026
A new Federal Register public-inspection notice describes an in-season action affecting 2026 recreational-fishing measures, including activity that may run during August and September for up to seven days per week.
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NOAA says satellite system detected fires within minutes during Nebraska’s record Morrill Fire
NOAA has documented how satellite heat-signature data supported wildfire awareness and response during Nebraska’s Morrill Fire, which ignited March 12 and was described as the largest wildfire in state history.
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NOAA authorizes Texas gillnet research with dolphin safeguards
A five-year NOAA rule allows Texas coastal fisheries surveys while setting limits, monitoring and reporting requirements for incidental dolphin take.
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New Jersey health officials warn residents about unhealthy air from wildfire smoke
New Jersey health officials advised residents to limit outdoor exposure as smoke from Canadian wildfires created hazy skies and unhealthy air-quality levels across the state on July 17.
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ESA “harm” rule reversed: What changes after Interior, NOAA rescind definition
United States Federal Policy and Agency Actions – Interior and NOAA rescind ESA “harm” definition, changing consultation and permitting guidance ahead of Sept. 14.
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United States flood threat rises as NOAA tracks Texas tropical development
NOAA says a moderate flood risk covers the Texas Gulf Coast, Louisiana and Mississippi, with 2 to 5 inches possible and tropical development under watch.
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United States under G3 geomagnetic storm watch for June 4-5 UTC
NOAA says a G3 geomagnetic storm watch could bring auroras farther south and brief disruptions to GPS, radio, satellites and power systems.
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NOAA says Atlantic hurricane season looks quieter, but prep still starts June 1
NOAA sees a below-normal Atlantic season this year, but the forecast is not a landfall prediction — and one storm can still cause major trouble.