Extreme Heat Increasingly Disrupts Daily Lives of Americans, New Poll Shows
A new AP-NORC poll reveals that extreme heat is increasingly impacting the daily lives of Americans, affecting travel plans, electricity bills, and sleep. The West and Midwest regions, as well as Democrats, are reporting the most significant effects. This trend…
Houston, TX, August 6, 2026 —
Extreme heat is becoming a more significant factor in the daily lives of Americans, influencing everything from travel plans and electricity costs to the ability to get a good night’s sleep, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The poll indicates that residents in the West and Midwest regions of the United States are experiencing the most pronounced effects of extreme heat. Additionally, individuals who identify as Democrats reported a greater impact from high temperatures compared to other political affiliations.
This trend aligns with recent scientific observations that have marked the past several years as among the hottest on record globally. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events have been linked to a range of serious consequences. These include contributing to thousands of deaths annually and placing considerable strain on public infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems.
The AP-NORC poll did not provide specific figures for the number of people affected in each region or demographic, nor did it detail the exact nature of the disruptions to travel plans, electricity bills, or sleep patterns beyond stating these areas are impacted. The poll also did not specify the timeframe for the data collection beyond indicating it reflects current trends.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
