{
  "id": 225889,
  "title": "More Americans say extreme heat is affecting their lives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/more-americans-say-extreme-heat-is-affecting-their-lives",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T15:42:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/08/06/extreme-heat-polling-survey"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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%.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWhile 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.",
  "summary": "Reproduced from AP ; Chart: Axios Visuals Greater shares of Americans now say that extreme heat has affected various parts of day-to-day life compared to just two years ago. Why it matters: The findings , from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, suggest that people are increasingly aware of extreme heat's impact on their health, budgets, travel plans and more. By the numbers: 90% of…",
  "key_points": [
    "90% of Americans say extreme heat disrupts daily lives, up from 83% two years ago",
    "80% report increased power bills due to extreme heat, up from 69% in 2024",
    "42% of respondents note extreme heat affects travel or vacation plans, a significant rise from 26%"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Growing recognition of extreme heat's impact is translating into tangible consequences, with more Americans reporting increased power bills, disrupted outdoor activities, and altered travel plans, reflecting a widening awareness gap with partisan lines.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}