More Extremely Hot Days

A Climate Central analysis of 241 U.S. locations shows that 195 (81%) have experienced an increase in the annual number of extremely hot days since 1970, with an average increase of 11 days. The report highlights that extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S. and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people of color living in urban heat islands. Specific cities like Austin, Texas, and San Angelo, Texas, have seen significant increases of 47 and 39 additional extremely hot days annually, respectively.

• Between 1970 and 2022, the annual number of extremely hot days increased in 195 of the 241 U.S. locations analyzed, representing 81% of the sample. On average, these 195 locations now experience 11 more extremely hot days per year than they did in 1970.
• Significant increases in extremely hot days were recorded in three specific U.S. cities: Austin, Texas, with 47 more days annually (above 100°F); San Angelo, Texas, with 39 more days annually (above 100°F); and Montgomery, Alabama, with 31 more days annually (above 95°F).
• Extreme heat is identified as the primary cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. It poses serious health risks, including heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations, and can degrade air quality by trapping pollutants, which worsens respiratory issues for individuals with lung diseases or asthma.
• Heat risks are not distributed equally; vulnerable groups include children, adults over 65, pregnant people, those with illnesses, outdoor workers, and athletes. Additionally, structural inequities result in people of color and those below the poverty line being disproportionately exposed to urban heat island intensity in 169 of the largest U.S. cities.

APA

Climate Central (2023). More Extremely Hot Days. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/more-extremely-hot-days-2023

Chicago

Climate Central. More Extremely Hot Days. 2023. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/more-extremely-hot-days-2023.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=More Extremely Hot Days |date=5 July 2023 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/more-extremely-hot-days-2023 |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral2023more, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{More Extremely Hot Days}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2023}, month = jul, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/more-extremely-hot-days-2023}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }