KENSINGTON, Maryland (AP) — The contiguous United States set a record for its hottest month ever in July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last month averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the Lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Nighttime lows, which are crucial for people and agriculture to recover from hot days, smashed the old record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees, NOAA said. ___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.