Climate Matters

Analysis of 241 U.S. locations from 1970 to 2023 shows that 95% have experienced warming average summer temperatures, with an average increase of 2.5°F. The Northwest, Southwest, and South regions saw the most significant heating. Additionally, 58% of analyzed locations now experience at least 14 more above-normal summer days than in 1970. The document also highlights the health risks of extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations and those affected by urban heat islands, and provides a directory of monitoring tools and hurricane season resources.

• Between 1970 and 2023, average summer temperatures increased in 230 of the 241 U.S. locations analyzed, representing 95% of the sample. These locations warmed by an average of 2.5°F, with 70 locations warming by 3°F or more.
• The most significant summer warming occurred in the Northwest (3.2°F), Southwest (3.2°F), and South (2.8°F) regions. The five locations with the highest summer warming were Reno, Nev. (11.1°F), Boise, Idaho (6.0°F), El Paso, Texas (5.8°F), Las Vegas, Nev. (5.6°F), and Salt Lake City, Utah (5.6°F).
• The frequency of above-normal summer days has increased in 95% of analyzed locations since 1970. Specifically, 58% of locations (139) now experience at least 14 more above-normal summer days, and 46 locations experience 30 or more additional above-normal days.
• Global temperatures reached a record heat streak starting in June 2023, with April 2024 marking 11 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures. There is a 61% chance that 2024 will be the warmest year on record, surpassing 2023.
• Extreme heat is the primary cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and is exacerbated by structural inequities; people of color and those below the poverty line are disproportionately exposed to urban heat island intensity in 169 of the largest U.S. cities.

APA

Climate Central (2024). Climate Matters. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2024-summer-package

Chicago

Climate Central. Climate Matters. 2024. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2024-summer-package.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=Climate Matters |date=22 May 2024 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2024-summer-package |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral2024climate, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{Climate Matters}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2024}, month = may, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2024-summer-package}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }