American cities are getting unbearably hot. These ones are roasting the most

Summers in US Cities Getting Hotter and Longer #

Human-caused climate change is intensifying heat in cities across the US, affecting more than 260 million Americans. The urban heat island effect, caused by buildings, roads, and sidewalks radiating heat, can add up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit to urban temperatures. All of the country’s 50 most-populated cities have experienced increased heat over the past 50 years, with all but three seeing more extremely hot days above 95 degrees. This summer, there have been at least 1,071 days above 95 degrees in the 50 largest cities, 161 more than the average over the past decade. Heat-related health emergencies are on the rise, with vulnerable groups being disproportionately impacted.