Typical of Europe heatwaves, extreme heat from the African Desert is propelled northward by the subtropical ridge this time inspired by the combination of a strong Africa ITCZ and an offshore Southwest Europe low-pressure area. The southerly flow ahead of the low-pressure area guided an amplified subtropical ridge into Western Europe to deliver historic heat the past few days.

The Climate Impact Company U.S. CDD projection for the last week of July is 103 which is second hottest to 105 CDD observed in 2016 (using NOAA CDD data). The last week of July in 2011 is a close 3rd hottest from the last 20 years and along with 2016 and the 2022 projection the only last week of July to produce over 100 CDD.

Large regions of deep-layer soil moisture deficits are caused by long-term (usually 9 months or more) precipitation shortages. In the U.S. and generally east of the Continental Divide, presence of large areas of deep-layer soil moisture deficits can foreshadow flash drought risk areas.

The June 2022 national temperature ranking was 15th warmest (of 128 years). The southern tier of the U.S. ranked in the MUCH ABOVE normal category with Texas close to an all-time record. The June 2022 national precipitation pattern was 12th driest on record and featured a wet pattern in the West (wettest June on record for Oregon) while the Central and East U.S. were very dry including the 2nd driest June on record in North Carolina.