Official observations from Miami International Airport recorded a daily maximum of 96-97°F on July 31, 2026, anchoring the market at near-certainty for that bracket. This outcome aligns with persistent heat-wave conditions across the Southeast, where above-average sea-surface temperatures and a strong subtropical ridge promoted subsidence and minimal cloud cover, limiting daytime cooling. National Weather Service data showed the reading occurred amid multiple days above 94°F, consistent with 2026’s elevated heat-index trends but within historical July extremes for the station. Forecasters noted typical model convergence on the event once the ridge stabilized, leaving little room for revision. Only an unexpected station equipment anomaly or post-hoc quality-control adjustment could shift the final certified value outside this narrow range before resolution.