NOAA recently reported that July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.9 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.3 degrees above the 20th-century average. NOAA’s records began in 1895. Aside from higher electric bills, soaring temperatures present challenges to water supplies that serve us all.

Massive storms over a few weeks have led to extreme flooding, yet California remains in an historic drought, which has prompted experts to explore ways to better manage floodwaters.

A U.S. space mission that launched Dec. 15 will map the Earth’s water and collect data to help manage climate change. The mission will “conduct a comprehensive survey of the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers for the first time.”