Hot weather can be great for pool days and sitting in the shade with a cool lemonade, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can all occur if you spend too much time outdoors on extremely hot days.
Heat related deaths have steadily increased in recent years in the U.S. with 2,297 deaths in 2023.[1] Heat can also have negative impacts on your home and car, needing additional maintenance or fixes to counteract warping, cracking and melting due to excessive heat on roofs, siding, foundation and paint.
Since 1901, the average surface temperature across the 48 contiguous United States has risen an average of .17 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, and that started speeding up in the 1970s. The warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998.[2]
But what are the hottest cities in the U.S.? Based on highest average temperature, highest average low temperature[3] and average number of days over 100[4], these are the hottest cities in the U.S.
Wrapping up
Extreme heat can be deadly, and also cause damage to cars, buildings, and homes.
Does your home insurance cover the effects of extreme heat? If it's wear and tear caused by prolonged exposure to heat...probably not. However, if the heat leads to a fire that damages your home, that would likely be covered.
If you live in a city that experiences extreme heat, unfortunately, global climate change means it's only likely going to get hotter.