More Americans say extreme heat is affecting their lives

A majority of Americans now acknowledge that extreme heat is significantly impacting various aspects of their daily lives, according to a recent survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The findings indicate a growing awareness of the heat's effects on health, finances, travel, and leisure activities. Notably, 90% of respondents say extreme heat has caused at least minor disruptions, up from 83% two years ago.

This surge in recognition has translated into tangible consequences, with 80% reporting increased power bills, up from 69% in 2024, and 68% noting the impact on outdoor activities, up from 57%. Travel and vacation plans have also felt the heat, with 42% of respondents reporting that it affects their travel or vacation plans, a sharp rise from 26%.

The geographic distribution of the effects is evident, with heightened awareness in the Western and Midwestern states, regions that have recently experienced severe and potentially deadly heat waves. Additionally, a noticeable partisan divide exists, with Democrats more likely than Republicans to perceive a major impact from extreme heat across the surveyed aspects of life.

While extreme heat events are becoming more common and intense due to climate change, the survey shows a concerning trend in public awareness of climate change itself. Only 66% of Americans believe in climate change, a decline from 73% in the previous year, potentially indicating a disconnect between the observed environmental changes and public perception.

The survey, which included 1,165 adults and had a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points, underscores the urgent need to bridge this gap and strengthen public understanding of climate change's role in the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events.