• Japan records unprecedented five-day streak of temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F), the longest on record

    Japan recorded temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or higher for the fifth consecutive day on July 25, 2026, marking the country’s longest such streak on record as an exceptionally persistent heatwave continued under a dominant Pacific high-pressure system. Heatstroke alerts remained in effect across much of the country, while additional climatological analysis suggests this summer is already approaching last year’s record number of locations reaching the 40°C (104°F) threshold.

  • Extreme Heat Watches issued for Utah, Montana, and northern Wyoming, temperatures up to 43°C (110°F) forecast through July 27

    Extreme Heat Watches have been issued for large portions of Utah, Montana, and north-central Wyoming as widespread dangerous heat is forecast from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, with some areas remaining under hazardous conditions into early next week. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to reach 35 to 43°C (95 to 110°F), while unusually warm nights across northern Utah are expected to limit overnight cooling and increase cumulative heat stress.

  • Extreme Heat Warnings issued for parts of Arizona, California and Nevada, temperatures above 49°C (120°F) forecast

    Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued across large parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada as a prolonged heat event is forecast to persist through at least Monday, July 27, 2026. Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 38 to above 49°C (100 to more than 120°F), while exceptionally warm overnight lows are forecast to provide little relief, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

  • France heatwave brings temperatures above 40°C (104°F), exceptionally warm nights, and widespread wildfire risk

    A prolonged heatwave continued across France on Monday, July 13, with 37 departments under red heatwave vigilance and another 39 under orange vigilance. Exceptionally warm nights, increasingly dry soils and a nationwide wildfire danger are expected to persist as the highest temperatures shift toward central and eastern parts of the country.

  • Record-breaking heat to peak through July 14 from the Great Basin to the Northern Plains, U.S.

    Dangerous and potentially record-breaking heat is forecast to peak through July 14, 2026, across the western and north-central United States. Billings, Montana, already shattered its all-time temperature record on July 12, while Salt Lake City, Utah, tied for its second-highest reading ever, just short of its own all-time mark. More locations could still challenge records as the heat continues into Tuesday. Very warm nights are adding to the danger by increasing heat stress over several consecutive days.

  • Record-high temperatures at the Potomac River linked to localized fish kill in Maryland

    Record-breaking water temperatures at the Potomac River on July 4, 2026, are being linked to a localized fish kill in Maryland. The water temperatures reached a record high of 34.7°C (94.4°F) near Little Falls amid a record-breaking heatwave. Significant fish mortality was reported along a stretch of the river between White’s Ferry and Violette’s Lock soon after.

  • New Jersey reports 29 suspected heat-related deaths after prolonged early July heat wave

    Health officials in New Jersey have increased the number of suspected heat-related deaths associated with last week’s extreme heat wave to 29, on Monday, July 6, 2026. A prolonged heat wave brought temperatures above 38°C (100°F) and dangerous heat index values approaching 43°C (110°F) across parts of the state over the Independence Day weekend. Most fatalities are yet to be certified as heat-related deaths by the forensics department, hence the toll remains preliminary.

  • Extreme heat alerts cover portions of 31 U.S. states, heat index up to 46°C (115°F)

    Extreme Heat Warnings, Extreme Heat Watches, and Heat Advisories are in effect across 31 U.S. states after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of heat alerts on June 29, 2026. Peak heat index values are forecast to reach 46°C (115°F), with dangerous heat and humidity expected to persist into early July across parts of the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and central United States.