A Review of the Record-Breaking U.S. Heat Season in 2024

The heat season of 2024 will be remembered for its longevity and far-reaching scope across much of the contiguous United States and this presentation will take a look at the meteorological pattern and the many notable records observed. The most affected regions by this heat season included the West, Southwest, Florida, and parts of the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. Numerous cities in these areas observed their warmest meteorological summer (June 1-August 31) on record, including Phoenix, Arizona; Sacramento, California; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Hartford, Connecticut. Over 120 all-time temperature records were observed. Several locations experienced record streaks of consecutive hot days.

Some notable examples will be discussed including Phoenix, Arizona, which observed numerous temperature records, including a record warm meteorological summer at a remarkable 5.2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Phoenix also shattered its previous record for consecutive days of daily temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with an incredible stretch of 113 days. Beyond the Southwest U.S., many other regions experienced anomalously warm temperatures this heat season. San Juan, Puerto Rico, had its warmest meteorological summer on record, with numerous daily temperature records broken or tied. In the Mid Atlantic and Northeast, notable heat waves in June and July led to several all-time temperature records. Record streaks of daily temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit were set in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.

This presentation will examine the 2024 U.S. heat season, providing an overview of the general weather patterns and meteorology, a review of notable records and statistics, and insights into how the National Weather Service (NWS) communicated these extreme temperature events. Extreme heat messaging efforts included the use of collaborative Key Messages and the expanded experimental NWS HeatRisk product for the contiguous United States.