AccuWeather forecasters warn that the summer of 2026 could bring a wide range of dangerous weather extremes across much of the United States, including prolonged heat waves, drought, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and major wildfires.
“This summer will likely be remembered for weather extremes,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. “Dangerous heat waves are likely in parts of the West and South. Storms and flash flooding may bring the biggest problems from the Plains to the Ohio Valley. Drought and wildfire risk will also be major concerns in the Northwest.”
The hottest conditions are expected across parts of the West, South and Desert Southwest, where temperatures could challenge or break records during extended periods of extreme heat. AccuWeather said major cities from Phoenix to Dallas may endure repeated stretches of triple-digit temperatures, increasing health risks and putting extra strain on power grids.
The forecast also calls for worsening drought conditions in portions of the Northwest and northern Rockies. Dry vegetation and above-normal heat could create ideal conditions for fast-moving wildfires later in the summer, especially in forested areas already dealing with low soil moisture. Smoke from those fires could affect air quality hundreds of miles away.
Meanwhile, repeated rounds of thunderstorms are expected to increase the threat of flash flooding from Texas into the Mississippi and Ohio valleys.
AccuWeather said severe weather could remain active through much of June and July across the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing the possibility of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes before the storm track gradually shifts eastward later in the season.
Forecasters said a developing El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean is expected to play a major role in shaping this summer’s weather. That pattern often leads to hotter and drier conditions in the Western and Southern United States while increasing rainfall and storm activity across parts of the nation’s midsection.
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RVT1261b
this summer, we will not be going far, maybe next year we will go somewhere cool.
I’m feeling fortunate to live on the California coast