Yes, this summer really was as hot as you think it was

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that this summer was the hottest on record for the contiguous United States, surpassing the previous record highs set in 1936 and 2021 by just 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to the 20th century average, this summer was a staggering 3 degrees hotter, with August alone being 3.5 degrees hotter.

In Europe, the heat wave situation has been dire, resulting in over 25,000 deaths this year alone. The research group Climate Central analyzed the data and found that 293 million Americans, or 86 percent of the population, experienced at least 30 days of risky heat this summer. This means that extreme heat, which can cause health problems and worsen underlying health conditions, affected the majority of the U.S. population.

Four of the five states with the highest number of risky heat days were in the western region, with Colorado, Utah, and Nevada experiencing temperatures 4.4, 3.8, and 3.8 degrees above normal, respectively. The research group Climate Central found that the average American suffered around 26 days of heat influenced by climate change this summer, but some regions were hit harder than others.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent and experienced an especially intense summer, with its proximity to the Arctic amplifying the effects. The reduction of atmospheric particulate matter due to clean air policies has contributed to Europe's vulnerability to climate change, as there is less to reflect solar energy back into space.

Nights are warming faster than days, causing the human body to not have a chance to cool down, leading to an accumulation of heat. This can be particularly dangerous for farmworkers and outdoor laborers, as well as the elderly, who are less efficient at cooling themselves. Scientists warn that the upcoming El Niño event could make next summer even hotter.