With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
This Was Officially The Hottest Summer In California History
Ali Zenaidi, 2, cools off in the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain inside Grand Park during a 2013 heat wave. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
()
If you spent the summer sunburnt and shvitzing, you weren't alone. It's looking like 2016 was officially one for the record books, and not in a good way—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that this was California's hottest summer ever (or at least since we started keeping records).
Things weren't much cooler across the country. In fact, ever state in the lower 48 had a warmer-than-normal summer, with an overall average temperature 2.1°F above the 20th century average (California's statewide temperature was 3.3°F above average). Connecticut and Rhode Island also had their hottest summers on record. We are really looking forward to the creative ways that the climate-change deniers try and spin this.
KPCC reports that the drought exacerbated California's hot summer, because dry soil and parched plants can cause temperates to rise. The chart-busting heat and the below-average precipitation also contributed to an especially active wildfire season in the state, according to the NOAA.
Here is the official map showing U.S. temps this summer from the NOAA:
Support for LAist comes from
()
(Graphic courtesy of the NOAA)
And our take:
()
P.S. Just a friendly reminder that we are still in a drought:
()
(Graphic courtesy of the California Climate Data Archive)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist