Poll: Extreme heat is changing Americans' lives, especially in West and Midwest

Extreme heat is reshaping daily life across the United States, with a significant majority of Americans reporting they are noticing its effects. A new AP-NORC poll highlights that these impacts are most pronounced in the Western and Midwestern regions.

The survey found that Americans are increasingly concerned about the health risks associated with extreme heat, including heatstroke and exhaustion. Many also report disruptions to their daily routines and outdoor activities. The poll suggests a growing sense of urgency about the need to adapt to a warming climate.

Respondents expressed worries about the economic consequences, such as increased energy costs for cooling and potential impacts on agriculture and outdoor labor. The findings underscore a public perception that the changes brought by extreme heat are not a distant threat but a present reality affecting their lives now.