Ongoing national disasters

The United States has experienced unprecedented weather extremes—from drought to freezing cold—over the past nine months, capped off by what experts are predicting will be the hottest summer on record.

Beginning with a massive blizzard that blanketed the Midwest and Northeast in January, nearly every month this year has seen a weather disaster that exceeded $1 billion in damages. Ten weather-related disasters have accounted for more than $35 billion in damages and more than 700 deaths, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association . With fires ravaging Texas and hurricane season in full swing, the forecast remains dismal.