From higher power bills to canceled trips: How extreme heat is reshaping daily life in the US

Extreme heat is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience for many Americans. From rising electricity bills and disrupted travel plans to cancelled outdoor activities and lost sleep, people across the United States say soaring temperatures are increasingly affecting their everyday lives, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The survey found that more U.S. adults now report extreme heat having either a major or minor impact on their daily lives compared with July 2024. The biggest changes were reported by residents of the West and Midwest, with Democrats also more likely than Republicans to say the heat has significantly affected them.

Electricity bills climb as temperatures rise

The poll found that around eight in 10 Americans say extreme heat has had either a major or minor impact on their electricity bills over the past year, compared with 69% in July 2024.


The increase was particularly noticeable in the Midwest, where 44% of respondents said extreme heat had a major impact on their electricity costs, up from 29% two years ago.

Higher temperatures have increased demand for air conditioning, contributing to greater electricity consumption.

Travel plans and outdoor activities disrupted

Extreme heat is also changing how Americans spend their summers.

About four in 10 respondents said high temperatures had affected their travel or vacation plans, compared with roughly one-quarter in 2024.

Around seven in 10 Americans also reported that extreme heat has affected their family's outdoor activities, up from about six in 10 a year earlier.

Scientists warn of worsening heat

Scientists have identified 2025 as one of the three hottest years ever recorded, alongside 2024 and 2023. The United States has experienced repeated heat domes and unusually high temperatures in recent years.

According to climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, who was not involved in the survey, the findings reflect what many Americans are already experiencing.

"Brutal, life-threatening heat waves have become more frequent, more intense, and more persistent in many parts of the globe, including our western and midwestern states," Francis said. "Extreme heat compounded with long dry spells have affected our health directly, along with indirect effects on our wallets."

Extreme heat contributes to thousands of deaths each year, increases wildfire risks, strains infrastructure, damages agriculture and disrupts public events.

Climate change views remain largely unchanged

Despite more people reporting personal impacts from extreme heat, public opinion on climate change has remained relatively stable.

The poll found that 66% of Americans believe climate change is happening, down slightly from 73% in September 2025. Around 17% said they were unsure, while about 15% said they do not believe climate change is occurring.