Two-thirds of the U.S. population lives in counties vulnerable to health threats from unexpectedly high summer temperatures. As extreme heat events become more common, so does the frequency of heat-related illnesses, with seniors, children, people with chronic illness, lower-income communities, communities of color, and people who work outdoors among those most at risk.
NRDC’s extreme heat map provides an interactive visualization of heat impacts across the country. The map offers an overview of U.S. heat waves, as well as state-specific trends in extreme heat days, historical heat records, and heat-related fatalities. Communicators can use the map to help audiences understand how climate change is affecting their daily lives and highlight ways to take action and protect communities from climate-driven health threats, including contacting decision-makers to reduce emissions and prepare for health impacts.
