US Cities Experiencing More Extreme Heat Due To Climate Change

Climate change thaws world's northernmost research station

Recent data analysis reveals a concerning trend of increasing heatwaves in cities across the United States, with human-caused climate change exacerbating the situation. The phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect is causing urban areas to experience temperatures up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding green spaces.

All of the 50 most-populated cities in the US have witnessed a rise in temperatures over the past 50 years, with a significant increase in the number of 'extremely hot' days above 95 degrees. This summer, cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix have endured over 80 days above 95 degrees, while coastal cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco have been relatively spared.

Washington, DC, and Baltimore are currently facing their hottest summers in at least a decade, with a notable increase in extremely hot days compared to the previous year. The trend of rising temperatures is not limited to this summer alone, as there has been a substantial leap in the number of extremely hot days over the past five decades.

Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with lower incomes or inadequate housing, are particularly at risk from the health impacts of extreme heat. Heat-related emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke can have fatal consequences, especially when coupled with rising humidity levels.

All top 50 US cities have seen a temperature increase in the past 50 years.

Urban heat island effect causes cities to be up to 20°F hotter than green spaces.

Cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix have endured over 80 days above 95°F.

Big cities in Texas, Arizona, and inland California have been among the hardest hit by the increase in extremely hot days. The rapid urban sprawl and densification of these areas have contributed to the intensification of heat islands, making them even hotter than surrounding regions.

Efforts are underway in cities like Austin to combat the urban heat island effect by increasing tree canopy coverage. Such initiatives aim to mitigate the heat trapped in concrete and asphalt, especially in low-income neighborhoods lacking green spaces.

While some cities have managed to limit the rise in extremely hot days, the overall trend points towards a continued increase in temperatures, posing a significant challenge for urban resilience and public health in the face of climate change.