Science & Nature
Summer Heat Is Pushing Deeper Into Fall and New Report Says That’s Cause for Concern
(Pixabay)
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As Chicagoans continue to enjoy a string of 80-degree days in mid-September, a new report warns of the dangers of lingering summer heat.
According to Climate Central, summer temperatures are extending deeper into fall in more than 90% of major U.S. cities.
The analysis looked at weather station data from 246 cities, comparing temperatures from 1970 to 2024.
In Chicago, summer temperatures are stretching six days later into fall, the analysis showed.
That’s slightly less than the average of 10 days. Miami topped the list, with summer temperatures extending six weeks longer.
(Courtesy of Climate Central)
While Chicagoans might appreciate the extra days of warmth, the report's authors outlined a number of concerns related to lingering heat:
— Health risks for vulnerable populations, as well as for people working outdoors.
— Higher energy demand for air conditioning, which both increases costs and increases emissions.
— Later frost may lengthen the growing season for some crops, but it could also require more water resources. And it will allow plants such as ragweed to persist longer, adding to the misery of allergy season.
— Mosquitoes will stick around later into the year.
— The timing of ecologically important events such as bird migration could be disrupted.
— Wildfire season could be prolonged, affecting air quality as smoke spreads.
The analysis was based on open-access data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
