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.
Keep reading
U.S. skilled trades demand grows 3x faster than professional roles, study finds
“It is now more difficult and time-consuming to hire an HVAC professional and electrician than a software developer”
Metals prices hit near-decade high
“For HVACR businesses, this upward trend suggests that embedded input costs within equipment and system components may face renewed upward pressure in the months ahead,” HARDI wrote
Clean energy group rallies contractors around heat pumps
Panama Bartholomy founded the nonprofit Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) about eight years ago