Impact of Extreme Heat on American Lives

Elisa Bracamonte, a lifelong resident of Arizona, has grown accustomed to adjusting her plans according to the region’s high temperatures, especially in summer. However, the 74-year-old retired nurse from Tucson has noticed that the heat now affects more aspects of her daily life, from family gatherings to her morning walks. “I’ve noticed at least a 10-degree difference,” she states. “Every summer, it seems to be getting hotter.”

Many Americans share this sentiment, as a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates. U.S. adults report that extreme heat increasingly impacts their travel plans, electricity bills, sleep, and outdoor activities more than it did in July 2024. Notably, people in the West and Midwest have experienced the most significant changes. Additionally, Democrats are reportedly more likely to cite a “major” impact from extreme heat compared to Republicans.

Global temperatures have risen alarmingly, with 2025 ranking among the hottest years on record, alongside 2024 and 2023. America has endured dangerous heat domes and unusually high temperatures, even early in the year. This intense heat has contributed to thousands of heat-related deaths annually, exceeding fatalities from other weather-related events. It also raises the risk of wildfires, strains infrastructure, affects agriculture, and disrupts events like sports gatherings.

Bracamonte has adapted her schedule to the heat’s demands, waking up at 5 a.m. to walk before the temperatures rise. “By 7, it’s already in the 80s,” she says. “I lose sleep because I’m up earlier. You can’t stay outside without being sick unless you’re constantly hydrated.”

Rising Electricity Bills

Nearly 80% of Americans report a “major” or “minor” impact on their electricity bills due to extreme heat, compared to 69% in July 2024. In the Midwest, 44% now note a “major” impact, up from 29% two years earlier. Growing electricity costs have become a notable political topic, influenced by increased energy use for air conditioning during extreme weather. Daemien Williams, a 50-year-old bridge inspector from Cahokia Heights, Illinois, remarks, “I feel like my utility costs have doubled in recent years.” Reviewing his bills reveals heightened kilowatt usage.

Influence on Travel and Leisure

Extreme heat impacts Americans in diverse ways. The survey finds that about 40% of Americans say excessive heat has affected family travel or vacation plans, up from 25% in 2024. “It has affected my family,” notes Bracamonte, “fires and floods inhibit our travel plans.” Heat increases wildfire risks and intensifies storms, leading to more rainfall.

Seven out of ten Americans report a “major” or “minor” impact on family outdoor activities, compared to 60% two years ago. For Sean Conway, a 41-year-old from North Shore, Massachusetts, extreme temperatures could cancel his kids’ soccer practice. Yet, Conway views this as minor: “Sometimes, you need to be out in the bad weather.”

Climate scientist Jennifer Francis from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, uninvolved in the survey, remarks, “Brutal heat waves are more frequent, intense, and persistent, especially in Western and Midwestern states.” These conditions bring direct health challenges and indirectly impact finances.

Perceptions of Climate Change

Despite experiencing intense heat, Americans’ belief in climate change has remained stable. About 66% believe climate change is occurring, a slight drop from 73% in September 2025. Around 17% remain unsure, and 15% do not believe climate change is happening. Williams attributes his belief to extreme weather variations, including flooding.

Certain Americans, like John Hazel from Waco, Texas, have noticed changes since childhood. “As a child, 100 degrees was rare,” he recalls. Hazel views heat management as essential, noting frequent outdoor breaks. “Once outside, you’re sweating even without activity.”

The survey, conducted July 23-27, 2026, included 1,165 adults from a representative U.S. sample. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.