Three Heat Waves in One Month: US Faces Possible Fourth by August Weekend

July 2026 brought three distinct US heat waves — early July (185 million under alerts on July 3), mid-July across the Southwest and Great Plains, and a late-July heat dome covering 40 million. The continental US posted its second-hottest first half on record. Forecasters expect a mid-week reprieve before heat may return by the August 1–2 weekend, leaving roughly 72 hours between events.