Most of U.S. to face above-normal temps in August
The U.S., excluding a handful of states, faces at least a 33 percent chance of experiencing above-normal temperatures during the month
Portland, Oregon via Getty Images
Most of the U.S. is set to face above-normal temperatures in August, according to the National Weather Service’s latest monthly outlook.
Why it matters: Nationwide cooling degree days, the primary measure of cooling demand, last August fell slightly compared to 2023, and sat at normal levels for the month, creating a favorable demand setup if this year’s outlook pans out.
What’s happening: The U.S., excluding a stretch of states from the Midwest to Louisiana, plus Southern California, faces at least a 33 percent chance of experiencing above-normal temperatures in August, according to the outlook, which will update once more on July 31. The excluded states have equal chances.
- Zoom in: In states along the Rocky Mountains, the probability for above-normal temperatures sits above 50 percent, while the Northeast and Florida both exceed 40 percent.
- Full map
The big picture: The outlook marks the second consecutive month where above-normal temperatures were projected (July’s final data will be released in early August), following a mild May, when nationwide cooling demand dropped 24 percent compared to last year, and a record-setting heatwave in late June.
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