US adults more likely to say extreme heat has personal impact

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that increasing extreme heat across the U.S. is disrupting daily life, raising electricity costs, and altering travel plans for many Americans, particularly in the Western and Midwestern regions. These changes highlight growing economic and social challenges linked to climate trends, even as public agreement on climate change remains divided.

As extreme heat continues to intensify across the United States, more Americans report that these conditions are affecting various aspects of their daily lives, according to a recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The study highlights growing concerns about the personal and economic impacts of rising temperatures, particularly in the Western and Midwestern regions.

Residents like Elisa Bracamonte, a 74-year-old retired nurse from Tucson, Arizona, describe how soaring summer temperatures have altered their routines. Bracamonte, who identifies as a liberal Democrat, said the heat has forced her to change the timing of her morning walks and disrupted plans with family spread across the region. “I’ve noticed at least a 10-degree difference in the weather,” she said, noting that extreme heat has increasingly limited outdoor activities and travel. Similar experiences were reported by others across the country, emphasizing the widespread nature of these changes.

The poll found that about 80% of Americans have seen their electricity bills affected by extreme heat in the past year, an increase from 69% in July 2024. In the Midwest, 44% of respondents reported a “major” impact on their electricity costs, up from 29% two years earlier. Rising utility expenses appear linked not only to price hikes but also to increased energy consumption as households rely more on air conditioning. Daemien Williams, a bridge inspector from Cahokia Heights, Illinois, said his energy use has risen significantly over the past few years, contributing to higher bills. Williams, who describes himself as a Democrat, attributes his belief in climate change partly to these temperature fluctuations and observed increases in flooding.

Extreme heat also influences Americans’ social and recreational activities. Nearly 40% say heat has affected their travel or vacation plans, marking a notable rise from about 25% in 2024. Outdoor family gatherings, seasonal trips, and children’s sports events have been disrupted due to heat waves and associated risks like wildfires and flooding. Sean Conway, a marketer from Massachusetts and a moderate independent leaning Republican, described cancellations of his children’s soccer practices due to excessive heat but downplayed the impact as a minor inconvenience.

Experts link the rising frequency and severity of heat waves to broader climate trends. Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, said brutal heat waves have become more common and persistent, especially in the Western and Midwestern states. These conditions pose direct health risks while indirectly affecting household finances and infrastructure.

Despite growing reports of personal impacts from extreme heat, public opinion on climate change remains mixed. About 66% of Americans believe climate change is occurring, a slight decline from 73% in late 2025. Approximately 17% remain uncertain, while 15% do not believe climate change is happening. This variation underscores the complex interplay between lived experiences, scientific understanding, and public attitudes amid an environment of escalating heat risks.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.