A new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that extreme heat is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans. The survey, conducted from July 23 to 27, 2026, highlights significant changes in personal and financial conditions tied to rising temperatures.
Poll Results Reflect Growing Concerns About Heat
Many respondents indicated that extreme heat has disrupted various aspects of their lives, including travel, family activities, and even sleep. For example, Elisa Bracamonte, a 74-year-old retired nurse from Tucson, Arizona, shared that she has had to adjust her daily activities due to elevated temperatures. She reported experiencing at least a 10-degree increase in summer heat over recent years, which has impacted her plans with family and her routine outdoor exercise.
According to the survey, a significant percentage of U.S. adults confirm that extreme heat has either a “major impact” or “minor impact” on their travel plans, electricity bills, and outdoor activities. The findings indicate that about 40% of Americans feel that heat has altered their vacation plans, compared to about 25% who felt the same in 2024.
The increases in electricity bills are noteworthy as well, with approximately 80% of respondents reporting some level of impact from extreme heat on their utility costs. The survey reported that nearly half of the Midwest residents noted a “major” impact, a rise from 29% two years ago.
Experts attribute these changes to intensified heat waves and shifting weather patterns, leading to increased usage of air conditioning and elevated utility expenses. Daemien Williams, a Cahokia Heights, Illinois resident, described how his utility costs have more than doubled due to increased energy consumption associated with the heat.
Outdoor activities, particularly for families, are also being affected. The survey indicated that around 70% of Americans feel that extreme heat has impacted their family’s outdoor activities, a rise from 60% in 2024. Sean Conway from Massachusetts mentioned that extreme temperatures sometimes lead to cancellations of his children’s soccer practices.
Despite these challenges, the public’s belief in climate change has not significantly surged, remaining relatively stable at about 66%. Some individuals like John Hazel from Waco, Texas, link climate change to their experiences with increasingly extreme weather, reflecting broader societal concerns over environmental changes.
The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points, based on a diverse sample drawn from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to represent the U.S. population.
Why It Matters
This poll underscores the growing recognition of extreme heat as a pressing issue affecting American life. As climate patterns become more unpredictable, understanding the implications of extreme weather on daily activities and finances can help policymakers address these challenges effectively.