Extreme heat isn’t just a scientific variable to be measured and cataloged. It has very real consequences for society. Hotter and more humid summers increase the risk from heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Higher summer temperatures will increase electricity use from air conditioning, causing higher summer peak loads and potentially stressing the power grid. And when heat gets extreme, highways and railroads can buckle, snarling transportation. If greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current trends, these impacts will likely only get worse and become more frequent.
Click through for all your extreme heat resources.