The U.S. just had its hottest month on record

July was the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., per new federal data dating back to 1895. Last month's average temperature was 76.89°F, topping the 76.77°F mark set in July 1936. That's 3.3°F warmer than the 1901-2000 average. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center calls for elevated chance of above-average temperatures through August.