“Summer Heat Trends: Rising Temperatures and Health Risks Across the U.S.”
Meteorological summer has officially begun on June 1, and as temperatures rise across the United States, data shows a concerning trend of increasing heat. Since 1970, summers have warmed in 230 locations in the U.S., with an average increase of 2.5°F. This warming trend has led to more than half of the locations experiencing at least two additional weeks of unusually hot summer days compared to 1970.
The regions experiencing the most significant summer warming are the Northwest, Southwest, and South. This increase in temperatures poses serious health risks, including heat-related illnesses and worsened air quality, putting the population at risk.
As the planet continues to experience record-breaking heat, with April 2024 marking the 11th consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures, NOAA projects a 61% chance of 2024 surpassing 2023 as the warmest year on record. Summer 2023 was already noted as the hottest on record since 1850 and potentially the hottest in the last 2,000 years.
The impact of climate change on summer temperatures is evident, with the likelihood of hotter-than-normal conditions across much of the U.S. this summer. The continued increase in carbon pollution is trapping more heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in earlier and hotter summer temperatures and more frequent and intense heat extremes.
The data also reveals that extreme heat is not evenly distributed, with certain populations facing greater risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, as are outdoor workers and athletes.
Structural inequities can also contribute to higher heat exposure in some communities, with people of color and those living below the poverty line disproportionately affected by urban heat island intensity in major U.S. cities.
To address these challenges, various resources are available to track and monitor extreme heat events, assess public health impacts, and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations. Experts in the field are working to provide valuable insights and solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on summer temperatures and heat-related risks.
As the summer progresses, it is crucial to stay informed about the changing climate patterns and take proactive steps to safeguard public health and well-being in the face of rising temperatures.