Most of U.S. to face above-normal temps in August

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.