June Kicks Off an Extreme Summer in the U.S.: Heat, Droughts, and Wildfires Looming

Extreme Summer in the US

Widespread Wildfire Risk

Bills and Public Health on Alert

This summer won’t be like previous ones—everything suggests it will be one of the hottest ever recorded in the United States.

Although the astronomical calendar marks the start of summer on June 20, meteorologically speaking, the season begins on June 1.

And it does so with an alarming outlook that includes intense heat, wildfire risk, a rise in illnesses, and a notable economic impact.

According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the summer of 2025 will be “overwhelmingly” hotter than normal across nearly the entire country.

An Early, Hotter-Than-Ever Summer in the US

Extreme Summer in the US Begins in June – Photo: Shutterstock

“Forecast model projections were well above normal across the U.S. and most of Alaska for the upcoming summer season,” explained NOAA meteorologist Johnna Infanti in statements to USA Today.

No region in the country is expected to have below-average temperatures, which further complicates the climate situation.

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The heat will not only affect daily comfort—it will have real consequences on public health, the environment, and household budgets.

Experts warn that cooling bills could reach extremely high levels due to the intensive use of air conditioning.

Extreme Heat Puts Public Health at Risk

Heatwaves are also the deadliest natural hazard in the US, surpassing floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.

Extreme heat especially affects the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses.

Additionally, NOAA forecasts indicate that regions such as the Southwest, the West, Florida, and New England will be especially hot.

It’s not just about high daytime temperatures, but also about nights that offer little relief—making it harder for the body to recover.

Persistent Droughts and Increased Fire Risk

Added to this is a worrying rainfall deficit in several regions of the country, particularly the Northern Rockies and the Great Plains.

The persistence or expansion of droughts in the western and southwestern US could worsen water scarcity and increase agricultural stress.

According to DTN meteorologist John Baranick, a drier summer is expected for most of the country, although the East could see slightly more rain by late June.

That relief, however, will be partial and won’t offset the cumulative deficit in other, more vulnerable areas. With drier soil and high temperatures, the risk of wildfires rises significantly.

The National Interagency Coordination Center has already identified critical zones with a high probability of severe wildfires in June.

These include the southeastern coast, central Texas, the Four Corners region, and parts of California and the Pacific Northwest.

For July and August, high-risk areas will extend to Hawaii, the Great Basin, the Southern Plains, and other western regions.

The concern goes beyond local fires: Smoke from Canada also threatens.

Smoke from Canada a Concern

Paul Pastelok, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, warned that smoke will drift into the northwest and north-central US during the summer.

This could trigger respiratory crises among people with asthma, allergies, or lung conditions, increasing pressure on healthcare services.

The combination of extreme heat, poor air quality, and wildfire danger creates an alert-level scenario for millions of people.

Authorities recommend staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and keeping a close watch on daily weather reports.

Outdoor activities should be limited during the hottest hours, and emergency kits should be prepared in case of potential evacuations.

This summer, more than ever, will require a combination of caution, adaptability, and environmental awareness.

The season has already begun, and all signs point to it being intense, prolonged, and challenging for the entire country, USA Today reported.