California Records Hottest Month Ever in July 2024

The new average, which is seven degrees higher than the typical July, shattered the previous record of 79.8 degrees set just last yearPhoto byIvana CajinaonUnsplash

California experienced its hottest month on record this July, with an average temperature of 81.7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to new figures released by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). This marks the first time in the state's recorded history that an entire month averaged over 80 degrees, highlighting the ongoing and intensifying impacts of climate change on the region.

The new average, which is seven degrees higher than the typical July, shattered the previous record of 79.8 degrees set just last year, in July 2023. The NCEI’s data, which tracks temperatures as far back as 1895, shows a clear trend of increasing temperatures in the state, particularly during the summer months.

July 2024’s extreme heat wasn’t just a statewide phenomenon—it was felt intensely in individual cities across California. Palm Springs, located in Riverside County's desert, recorded its hottest day ever on July 5, when temperatures soared to a blistering 124 degrees. This event exemplified the severe heat waves that swept across much of California during the month.