Extreme Heat Reshaping Daily Life Across the U.S.
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlights the growing impact of extreme heat on Americans' daily lives. The survey, conducted from July 23-27, 2026, reveals that extreme heat is increasingly affecting travel plans, electricity bills, outdoor activities, and sleep patterns. Scientists have noted that Earth's average temperature in 2025 was among the three hottest on record, alongside 2024 and 2023. Dangerous heat domes and unusually high temperatures have become more frequent, particularly in the West and Midwest regions. The poll also shows that 8 in 10 Americans report a significant or minor impact on their electricity bills due to extreme heat, while 7 in 10 say their family’s outdoor activities have been affected. Despite these challenges, belief in climate change remains stable, with 66% of Americans acknowledging its occurrence.