Summer 2026 in the United States will bring widespread heat, severe storms, and flooding risks as El Niño develops and strengthens. The hottest conditions are expected in the West and Northwest, where drought and wildfire threats will intensify, while cities across the Midwest and Northeast may see more 90-degree days. Severe weather, including tornadoes and derechos, will peak in June and July across the Plains and Ohio Valley, then shift east later in the summer. Flash-flooding threats will be highest in the Texas Hill Country and similar areas, while the North American monsoon may offer temporary relief to the Southwest. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/summer-forecast-2026-heat-severe-storms-to-shape-the-season-as-el-niño-develops-strengthens/1884851