Although July 2012 was warmer than last year, heat surges were focused in different locations, driving seasonal demand in diverse regions compared to 2011. In the U.S., July 2012 was the warmest in over 50 years and driest since 2001. Canada experienced its 2nd warmest July in over 50 years (lagging 2006), and driest since 2005.

Significant Weather Events:

• Drought conditions expanded throughout the month, peaking at over 60% of the U.S. by late-month. This is the most pervasive drought in over 50 years, with the most severe conditions in the Central Plains and Missouri Valley.
• July began with a heat wave spreading across the Eastern two-thirds of the U.S. The Independence Day holiday was the warmest in over 50 years.
• The second week of the month shifted the warm temperatures into western locations of North America. The East cooled down to more seasonal temperatures and the West South Central region experienced both cool and wet conditions. Houston, Nashville, and parts of the Southeast experienced record rainfall during the week.
• Week 3 brought cooler temperatures compared to last year throughout most of U.S. and Canada, although much warmer than normal. The Mountain and Pacific regions were the only areas in the U.S. that trended warmer than last year.
• The last week of the month began with warmer conditions for the majority of the country. More seasonal temperatures were felt in the East by the end of the week, while the West cooled down to below both last year and normal.
• The final week of the month saw strong storms move from the Southeast region across the Northeast causing both structural damage and power outages.

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