2026 Summer Weather Forecast

by Farmers' Almanac Staff Updated: May 6, 2026

Farmers’ Almanac Summer Weather Prediction for 2026

For over 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting long-range weather forecasts to help you plan ahead.

These forecasts are created using a proprietary formula that adapts to the mysteries of nature and the ever-changing world we live in. The basis of our prediction method was developed by our founding editor according to correlations between celestial events and various meteorological conditions.

Today, this formula uses some of the original rules set forth in 1818 but also accounts for fluctuations in Earth’s environment, as well as sunspots, the position of the Moon, and other proprietary factors. Yes, nature throws us a curveball from time to time, but it doesn’t stop us from going out on a limb to not only predict what the weather may bring up to a year in advance, but also to put it in print.

So, what’s in store for the summer of 2026? Read on to find out.

SIZZLIN’ SUN SUMMER

The astronomical start of summer, Summer Solstice, is on June 21st.

Expect a hot summer across most of the country, with the Southwest and South Central regions experiencing the most intense heat, especially in July. The Southeast will experience persistently hot, humid conditions throughout the season, with periodic thunderstorms, especially in Florida and the Carolinas.

The Northeast and Great Lakes regions will experience a mix of warm-to-hot conditions, with periods of high humidity and scattered thunderstorms. August brings a hurricane threat along the Atlantic Coast, potentially affecting areas from the Gulf Coast to Virginia.

The Northwest will experience a mild summer, with June starting off cool and rainy in Washington and Oregon. The region gradually warms through July and August.

Rainfall will be most frequent in the Northeast and Southeast regions, with the Southwest experiencing predominantly dry conditions, except for monsoon-related thunderstorms in Arizona and New Mexico. The Northern Plains can expect periodic severe weather outbreaks, particularly in June and July.

By August, weather patterns become more volatile across the country, with increased precipitation in most regions.

JULY 2026 WEATHER FORECAST

ZONE 1 NORTHEAST & NEW ENGLAND

1-3: Warm, humid, scattered thunderstorms.
4-7: Mostly fair, warm for the Fourth, showers New England.
8-11: Mild, showers likely.
12-15: Hot, stormy.
16-19: Cool, clear skies.
20-23: Warm to hot.
24-27: Hot, heavy thunderstorms NJ, MA. Drier elsewhere.
28-31: Changeable skies, rain.

ZONE 2 GREAT LAKES, OHIO VALLEY & MIDWEST

1-3: Warm temps, some rain.
4-7: Hot, sunny Fourth.
8-11: Warm, fair.
12-15: Hot, humid, thunderstorms Mississippi Valley.
16-19: Cool, dry, windy, overcast skies.
20-23: Mostly fair, very warm.
24-27: Hot, humid, thunderstorms Great Lakes.
28-31: More scattered thunderstorms.

ZONE 3 SOUTHEAST

1-3: Very warm.
4-7: Hot, dry most areas for Fourth, thunderstorms possible SC, FL.
8-11: Gusty winds, rainy.
12-15: Very warm.
16-19: Hot, humid, scattered thunderstorms.
20-23: Very warm, mostly fair.
24-27: Hot, clear skies.
28-31: Hot, dry, thunderstorms Carolinas.

ZONE 4 NORTH CENTRAL STATES

1-3: Cool, dry, light winds Northern Plains.
4-7: Overcast, mostly fair for the holiday.
8-11: Hot temperatures move in.
12-15: Hot. Good chance thunderstorms CO, MN.
16-19: Thunderstorms move out, cooling off some.
20-23: Warm-to-hot, then unsettled.
24-27: Hot, dry.
28-31: More scattered thunderstorms.

ZONE 5 SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

1-3: Warm, fair, moderate winds in NM, TX.
4-7: Hot, dry for the Fourth of July, thunderstorms AR, LA.
8-11: Fair then steady rain.
12-15: Hot, clear skies.
16-19: Hot, thunderstorms possible OK, AR. Clear skies TX.
20-23: Fair, hot, then unsettled by the 23rd.
24-27: Scattered showers TX eastward.
28-31: Hot, dry, thunderstorms OK, LA.

ZONE 6 NORTHWEST

1-3: Mild, humid conditions, scattered showers WA, OR.
4-7: Warm holiday most areas.
8-11: Warm, fair, moderate winds WA, OR.
12-15: Hot, dry. Clear skies ID, thunderstorms WA, OR.
16-19: Cool, dry, windy.
20-23: Warm, fair, moderate winds in WA, OR. Sunny ID.
24-27: Hot, scattered thunderstorms.
28-31: Wet, cool, overcast.

ZONE 7 SOUTHWEST

1-3: Warm, fair, moderate winds AZ, UT.
4-7: Scorching, clear skies CA, NV.
8-11: Fair, little chance of rain.
12-15: Warm, fair, moderate winds UT, NV. Sunny CA.
16-19: Hot, dry, thunderstorms possible AZ, UT.
20-23: Steady rain CA, NV. Overcast AZ.
24-27: Clear skies, hot temperatures.
28-31: Hot, dry.

AUGUST 2026 WEATHER FORECAST

ZONE 1 NORTHEAST & NEW ENGLAND

1-3: Very hot, isolated showers northern New England.
4-7: Hot, humid.
8-11: Warm, steady precipitation, southern New England.
12-15: Hot, heavy thunderstorms Mid-Atlantic.
16-19: Warm, windy, fair.
20-23: Hurricane threat along the Atlantic Coast. Rain, wind.
24-27: Warm, dry.
28-31: Wet conditions return.

ZONE 2 GREAT LAKES, OHIO VALLEY & MIDWEST

1-3: Warm, fair, moderate wind, especially MI.
4-7: Hot, dry. Greater chance thunderstorms Ohio Valley.
8-11: Warm, steady precipitation IL, WI.
12-15: Hot, humid, thunderstorms.
16-19: Warm, windy, fair.
20-23: Warm, fair, moderate wind.
24-27: Warm, dry, clear, especially Great Lakes.
28-31: Wet, warm.

ZONE 3 SOUTHEAST

1-3: Hot, humid.
4-7: Warm, fair, moderate wind.
8-11: Hot, dry, Carolinas.
12-15: Warm, steady precipitation AL, MS.
16-19: Hurricane threat Gulf Coast to VA. Mild, showery.
20-23: Warm, fair, moderate wind, especially WV.
24-27: Warm, dry, sunny.
28-31: Warm, steady rain.

ZONE 4 NORTH CENTRAL STATES

1-3: Warm, fair, moderate wind, especially MN.
4-7: Hot, dry most areas with greater chance thunderstorms IA, MO.
8-11: Warm, steady precipitation for Dakotas.
12-15: Hot and humid, thunderstorms likely NE, KS.
16-19: Warm, windy, fair.
20-23: Warm, fair, moderate wind, especially CO.
24-27: Warm, pleasant.
28-31: Warm conditions, some rain NE, KS.

ZONE 5 SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

1-3: Hot, scattered thunderstorms TX, OK.
4-7: Warm, fair skies.
8-11: Hot, humid, thunderstorms likely LA.
12-15: Warm, steady precipitation mostly NM.
16-19: Hot, dry, scattered thunderstorms, especially TX, OK.
20-23: Warm, fair.
24-27: Very warm.
28-31: Warm but rainy most areas.

ZONE 6 NORTHWEST

1-3: Fair, warm to hot.
4-7: Hot, dry, thunderstorms OR.
8-11: Warm, steady precipitation ID.
12-15: Hot, humid, thunderstorms likely WA.
16-19: Warm, windy, fair OR.
20-23: Pleasant weather.
24-27: Fair, sunny, especially WA.
28-31: Unsettled along the coast.

ZONE 7 SOUTHWEST

1-3: Hot, dry, greater chance of thunderstorms in AZ, NV.
4-7: Warm, fair.
8-11: Hot, humid, thunderstorms likely CA.
12-15: Warm, steady rain AZ.
16-19: Hot, dry, thunderstorms possible NV.
20-23: Warm, fair.
24-27: Warm, sunny, dry CA.
28-31: Unsettled, heavy rain AZ.

Final Thoughts

The Summer 2026 forecast points to a season filled with intense heat, periods of severe thunderstorms, and shifting weather patterns across much of the country. From scorching temperatures in the Southwest and South Central states to increased hurricane threats along the Atlantic Coast, this summer is expected to bring a mix of extreme conditions and unpredictable weather events. While some regions may experience stretches of pleasant, dry weather, others should prepare for heavy rainfall, humidity, and storm activity as the season progresses.

As always, long-range forecasts are designed to provide guidance and help with seasonal planning, but weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Staying informed with updated local forecasts throughout the summer will be important for travel, outdoor activities, and safety. Whether you’re preparing for heat waves, summer storms, or simply planning vacations and celebrations, Summer 2026 looks to be a memorable and eventful season nationwide.