U.S. natural gas futures climbed in early trading as warmer weather forecasts lifted demand expectations for the coming weeks. Nymex natural gas rose 1.8% to $3.273 per mmBtu, with traders eyeing rising cooling demand. Tradition Energy's Gary Cunningham noted the northeast will see temperatures climb through 90 degrees again, testing summer demand fundamentals.

The heat wave is expected to boost power-sector gas demand significantly, Cunningham said, potentially firming up fundamentals for the remainder of summer. Cooling needs typically drive substantial gas consumption during peak electricity generation periods, making weather patterns a critical price driver for the commodity.

Weekly storage data due at 10:30 a.m. ET are expected to show an injection of 105 billion cubic feet, slightly above the five-year average according to a Wall Street Journal survey. This injection rate suggests adequate supply levels despite the demand uptick from hot weather.

The 1.8% price gain reflects how weather volatility continues to dominate natural gas markets, with summer cooling demand now taking center stage after a relatively mild start to the season. Traders are positioning for what could be a sustained period of above-normal temperatures across key consumption regions.