U.S. feels record heat first seven months of the year

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The average July temperature across the United States was nearly one-half degree above normal, making the first seven months of this year the hottest on record, U.S. government scientists said on Thursday.

The average July temperature for the nation was 74.78 degrees Fahrenheit, which was nearly half a degree warmer than the 106-year average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The month ranked as the 38th warmest July since records began in 1895.

Although July wasn't a record-breaker, the abnormally warm temperatures earlier in the year made the January through July 2000 average temperature of 54.85 degrees Fahrenheit the warmest seven-month period on record for the United States, NOAA said.

Every state in the lower 48 -- except South Carolina, Maine, and Vermont -- was warmer than normal during the seven-month period, the agency said.

In July, conditions were generally cooler and wetter than normal in the Northeast and Midwest, and warmer and drier than normal in the Deep South. Western U.S. Pennsylvania and West Virginia logged their coolest July on record and seven other eastern states were much cooler than normal, NOAA said.

Nearly one-third of the nation experienced severe to extreme drought conditions during the month, including parts of Texas, where July was the driest ever recorded.

The hotter-than-normal temperatures and lack of rain have led to the worst wildfire season in 50 years for many western states. Nevada and Arizona recorded their second-driest July in history, and Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah had rainfall significantly below average.

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