Three July Heat Waves, Possible Fourth by August Weekend

July 2026 delivered three US heat waves: 185 million under alerts July 3, a Southwest and Great Plains event mid-month, and a late-July heat dome over 40 million. The continental US posted its second-hottest first half on record. Forecasters expect a brief mid-week reprieve — roughly 72 hours — before heat could return by the August 1–2 weekend.