Summer 2026 was in the top five hottest on record on the Gulf Coast

The numbers are in, and we just sweated through one of our hottest summers on record on the Gulf Coast. In Fort Myers, we had our third-hottest summer on record, according to the National Weather Service. That follows 2023 and 1981 as the number two and number one spots respectively. Between June 1 and August 31, we had an average temperature of 84.7 degrees in 2026. On average, that number is 83.0 for the summer season. Punta Gorda finished off the season in its 5th-warmest spot. Naples also saw its 5th-hottest summer on record with an average temperature of 84.1. We were not alone in the hot seat. Many cities across Florida finished the season with top five hottest spots. Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach saw their number one hottest summers on record. Sarasota made it through its second hottest summer, and St. Petersburg landed in its fifth warmest spot. Some of the heat can be attributed to our record hot August. For Fort Myers, August 2026 was our third hottest August on record. We have seen our average temperatures trending warmer over the past 55 years. From 1970 to 2025, our average temperature in Fort Myers has risen 1.5 degrees, according to data from Climate Central. Looking ahead to September, there is not much relief in the forecast. We're set to continue feeling the heat. Above-average temperatures will stick around for the majority of the month. However you watch or scroll, we're committed to delivering your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast, one you can rely on every day, wherever you are. Live Interactive Radar: Track conditions in real time with the Gulf Coast Live Radar. Watch Gulf Coast Weather: Find the latest weather forecast videos, streaming live or on demand, on TV and online. Stream on the Go: Download the free Gulf Coast News app to watch on your phone or tablet. Your Gulf Coast Weather Team Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae Meteorologist Caroline Castora Meteorologist Jim Dickey Meteorologist Lauren Hope Meteorologist Raphael Tavernier Meteorologist Rob Duns Meteorologist Sara Blue Follow on Social: Follow, like and subscribe to Gulf Coast News on social media to share your tips and be part of the conversation with Southwest Florida's most experienced, trusted weather team: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Bluesky | Nextdoor | X DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest breaking news and weather alerts. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.