Meteorological summer (June–August) 2026 ranked as the 2nd hottest on record for Yuma and El Centro, while Arizona recorded its warmest summer since 1895. Temperatures ran above average across the region and precipitation was below average in Yuma County.
Arizona as a state saw its warmest meteorological summer on record (since 1895), with the largest temperature anomalies in southeastern Arizona.
Statewide precipitation averaged near normal, but Yuma County experienced well-below-average rainfall and sits in a below-average percentile for summer precipitation.
Meteorological summer 2026 (June through August) was notably warm across the Desert Southwest. Local data compiled and reported by KYMA's Weather Authority shows both Yuma and El Centro ranked their second-hottest summers on record. At the state level, Arizona recorded its warmest meteorological summer in the historical record that begins in 1895.
Arizona as a whole experienced above-normal temperatures in June, July, and August. Anomalies were strongest in southeastern Arizona, though most southwestern counties across the state also reported record-setting warmth. By a national ranking included in the report, Arizona placed 132nd for warmest state — reflecting above-average conditions relative to other states.
When totaled for June through August, statewide precipitation for Arizona fell into the near-average category. That average masks wide local variability, which is typical for summer thunderstorm patterns. Yuma County, however, experienced well-below-average precipitation compared with most parts of the state and ranks in the below-average percentile for summer rainfall.
The combination of higher-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall in areas like Yuma can influence local drought stress, water demand, and heat exposure risks. While the report does not assign specific impacts, these are the typical consequences when warm, dry summers persist.
The recap is based on compiled meteorological data for the June–August period and municipal historical records referenced in the KYMA Insider Blog. Melissa Zaremba, KYMA's chief weather forecaster, authored the summary and provided the local context on rankings and percentiles.
The report notes that recent summers have clustered among the warmest on record for both Yuma and El Centro. If that pattern continues, community planning on heat mitigation, water conservation, and public health responses may remain priorities.
Meteorological summer 2026 was unusually warm across the Desert Southwest. Yuma and El Centro both recorded their second-hottest summers on record, Arizona saw its warmest summer since records began in 1895, and Yuma County experienced below-average summer precipitation despite statewide near-average rainfall totals.
August was an overall warm/hot month with more days ABOVE normal, along with some record-breaking temperatures. The majority of the month was dry, but we did get some light rain and even winds. Take a look at our weather recap and stats for the month of August. The post Insider Blog: August 2026 Weather Recap appeared
Meteorological summer has come to an end, and it ranked among the top 25 warmest and wettest on record.
Multiple tornadoes, a macroburst, storms with plenty of lightning, and several different days of brief flooding rainfall, were all a result of this summer's active pattern.
Summer 2026 was the hottest on record in the contiguous U.S., with August also setting a 132-year high.
We are in our final week of summer, and I am tracking warm temperatures and lower dew points for our afternoons ahead. We will have seasonable temperatures by the middle of the week and little warmer by the end of the week. The post Tracking warm temperatures and drier afternoons appeared first on KYMA .
Today is the final day of summer, and we are closing the season with nice and seasonable conditions. I am tracking a great and also seasonable start to the fall season. We are in for a little warm-up that will arrive later this week. The post Tracking a seasonable close to summer and pleasant start to Fall appeared fir
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