Summer 2026: What to expect from the next few months

As summer begins on June 21, most of the country is likely to see temperatures rise above the usual range. A recent three-month forecast highlights that Oregon and Washington have the highest odds of experiencing above-normal heat from July through September. Meanwhile, parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri might actually see slightly cooler temperatures than average. When it comes to rain, most regions won’t see big changes compared to past years. However, Southern California, Utah, and Arizona—and some nearby states like Nevada and Colorado—could get more rain than usual. This extra water is good news for areas that often struggle with droughts and wildfires. The rain is expected to come from summer storms and moisture moving in from the Pacific.The forecast also warns of fire risks in the Northwest later this year. Since this region is predicted to stay drier, dry lightning storms could easily start fires as summer ends. Meanwhile, the Southwest might shift quickly from extreme heat and fire danger to sudden flooding if heavy rain arrives in late July or August. The same storm systems could bring flooding risks to Texas and parts of the Midwest. Meteorologists point out that these shifts aren’t unusual but are part of a larger pattern. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather are becoming more common as climates change. The way seasons are behaving now can have real effects on water supplies, farmland, and even where people choose to live.