In many parts of the U.S., it has been a scorching summer.
Climate change is causing temperatures to rise, especially in many urban areas, according to a CNN report. Buildings, roads and concrete radiate heat, causing additional warming of up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in those areas.
Recently, the International Institute for Environment and Development shared data with CNN that shows that all of the country’s 50 most-populated cities have grown warmer over the past five decades. Here are the metros that have sweltered through scorching heat this summer.
1. Las Vegas
Days with temperatures of 95 degrees or higher in 2024 (through July):
- 17.5 more than the average for the past decade
- 83 in total
Not only is extreme heat uncomfortable, but it can also turn deadly. More than 100 people have died in Las Vegas this summer due to hot weather.
2. San Antonio
Days with temperatures of 95 degrees or higher in 2024 (through July):
- 15.5 more than the average for the past decade
- 54 in total
This is the third consecutive year that San Antonio has broiled in a heat wave. Fortunately for the city’s residents, this year has not been nearly as hot as last year, which was the warmest on record.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Days with temperatures of 95 degrees or higher in 2024 (through July):
- 15.5 more than the average for the past decade
- 23 in total
Without question, Nashville has been hot this summer. However, it is unlikely to break its 2019 heat record, when the city sweated through 99 days where the temperature rose to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Other cities that are sweltering this summer
Here are the rest of the 10 highest-ranked American cities, according to the International Institute for Environment and Development analysis:
- Jacksonville, Florida — Through July, this city had 14 more days with 95-degrees-or-hotter temperatures than the average for the past decade, and 25 days in total with such temperatures.
- Atlanta — 12 and 14
- Washington, D.C. — 11.5 and 18
- Baltimore — 11.5 and 18
- Raleigh, North Carolina — 9 and 20
- Albuquerque, New Mexico — 8.5 and 28
- Charlotte, North Carolina — 8.5 and 16
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