July is typically the hottest month of the year in North Carolina. We definitely felt the July heat this year. According to the latest statistics released by the State Climate Office of North Carolina, last month was the sixth hottest July on record for the state. That is based on the statewide average temperature with records that date back to 1895.
Most of the state had at least 20 days in July 2016 with high temperatures that were above average. In Charlotte, 30 of the 31 days in the month featured above normal high temperatures.
In Raleigh, there have been 31 hours this summer when the heat index has been at 105 or higher. That is more than the last three summers combined.
Here's how the July heat ranked by city:
- Asheville: 3rd warmest July
- Charlotte: 3rd warmest July
- Fayetteville: 4th warmest July
- Greensboro: 2nd warmest July
- Raleigh: 6th warmest July
- Wilmington: 4th warmest July
While the entire state was hot last month, rainfall totals varied greatly. It was the 7th wettest July on record for Raleigh, but the 10th driest in Charlotte. The driest part of the state this summer continues to be found in the mountains where a moderate to severe drought is in place.