Last month was the hottest June in the United States since consistent record keeping started 127 years ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.
Why it matters: The average temperature across the U.S. last month was 72.6°F, and eight states — Arizona, California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Utah — saw their hottest June on record.
- Another six other states — Connecticut, Maine, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming — had their second hottest June.
- The year-to-date average temperature for the country was 49.3°F, which made it the third warmest on record for that time period.
By the numbers: The country experienced eight weather and climate disasters in the first six months of 2021, the losses from which totaled nearly $30 billion, according to NOAA.
- The disasters included:
- 4 severe storms including tornadoes, hail and high wind damage
- 2 flooding events
- 1 winter storm with a deep freeze
- 1 heat wave-influenced drought
The big picture: The massive drought in the U.S. also intensified last month.
- 44% of the country was experiencing drought conditions at the beginning of June. By the end of the month, 47% was experiencing drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Go deeper: Gov. Newsom asks Californians to cut water use by 15% amid drought