New Hampshire Recorded Seventh Warmest Summer

The state saw an average temperature of 66.8°F, contributing to a trend of warming summers since the year 2000.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Severe Weather

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a parched granite landscape, symbolizing the record-breaking heat and drought conditions in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire experienced its seventh warmest summer on record in 2026, as average temperatures climbed nearly 3 degrees above the 20th-century norm. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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New Hampshire experienced its seventh warmest summer on record in 2026, with average temperatures climbing 2.8°F above the 20th-century norm. This seasonal heat arrives as more than 60% of the state continues to face moderate drought conditions.

Why it matters

Rising temperatures are increasingly linked to man-made climate change and shifting climate patterns like El Niño, which are driving more extreme fluctuations in seasonal moisture and heat. These changes are impacting local agriculture and water resources across the state.

New Hampshire recorded an average temperature of 66.8°F in summer 2026, marking the seventh warmest summer in 130 years of recorded data. Rainfall for the season totaled 11.65 inches, while more than 60% of the state currently experiences moderate drought.

The players

New Hampshire

This U.S. state is currently monitoring shifting meteorological trends and drought status.

The details

Warmer overnight temperatures prevented the region from cooling as efficiently as in past years, while increased atmospheric heat led to periods of heavy dryness. State data shows that seven of the ten warmest summers in New Hampshire have occurred since 2000, illustrating a clear warming trend.

Timeline

  1. 2023 saw New Hampshire record its wettest summer on record.

  2. 2024 stands as the state's warmest summer, averaging 67.6°F.

  3. 2025 was recorded as the driest summer in the state's history.

  4. Summer 2026 resulted in the seventh warmest season on record.

  5. The coming winter is expected to be mild due to El Niño patterns.

Seasonal Patterns

New Hampshire's 2026 summer data follows the record-breaking 2024 summer, which currently stands as the hottest season in 130 years of state history. This recent period mirrors the broader trend of increasingly frequent high-temperature summers throughout the 21st century.

Residents should continue to monitor local water conservation guidance as moderate drought conditions persist across the state. Travelers and homeowners should prepare for a potentially mild winter season, which is expected to follow these recent climate trends.

The takeaway

The recent data suggests that New Hampshire is undergoing a sustained period of hotter summers, necessitating a focus on long-term drought preparedness. Residents can adapt by managing water usage efficiently and planning for shifting seasonal expectations due to the ongoing El Niño influence.

Further reading

For more information on regional climate trends, visit Severe Weather.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Connecticut Public.

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In your area, are seasonal weather patterns becoming less predictable than they used to be?