If your summer plans include porch-sitting, refills of sweet tea, and a constant rotation of fans and sunscreen, The Old Farmer’s Almanac says you’re thinking in the right direction for 2026. The long-range summer forecast is pointing toward a season that’s broadly hotter than normal across much of North America, especially as July and August settle in and really turn up the heat. While “hot summer” isn’t exactly shocking news, what makes this year interesting is how uneven things may be from region to region, with heat, humidity, and rainfall all taking very different paths depending on where you live.
According to the summer forecast, much of the United States is expected to experience above-average temperatures, with especially intense warmth building in mid-to-late summer. In some areas, that heat will be paired with drier-than-normal conditions, which could mean crispy lawns, thirsty garden beds, and a lot of strategic sprinkler timing.
Other regions won’t be so dry, though. Parts of the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and sections of the central U.S. are expected to see more frequent rainfall, which could bring relief from the heat but also a few soggy weekends and fast-growing garden weeds. So, you might be grilling in sunshine one day and dodging thunderstorms the next.
Regionally, the story gets even more interesting. The Northeast is expected to lean hot overall, with a mix of wetter conditions farther north and drier stretches closer to the Mid-Atlantic. The South is shaping up for a classic summer heat situation, with pockets of heavy rainfall depending on location. The Midwest looks split with some areas trending cooler and wetter, others warmer and drier. Out West and especially in the Southwest, the Almanac points toward a familiar pattern of persistent heat and dryness, the kind of weather that makes shade and hydration non-negotiable.
So keep the grill ready, the lemonade chilled, and the ice cream stocked!
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
