Heat Waves Redefine Everyday Life for Americans

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research surveyed 1,165 U.S. adults — a probability-based AmeriSpeak panel — between July 23-27, 2026 (margin of error ± 3.7 percentage points). The poll shows that extreme heat is reshaping daily routines: eight-in-ten respondents report a “major” or “minor” impact on electricity bills, up from 69 % in July 2024. In the Midwest, 44 % say heat has had a “major” impact on their bills, compared with 29 % two years earlier. Respondents also cite growing effects on travel plans, sleep, outdoor activities and family gatherings.

The Independent

Arizona resident Elisa Bracamonte, a 74-year-old retired nurse, now rises before dawn to walk because temperatures reach the 80 °F by 7 a.m. “I have to get up at 5 in the morning to walk before 6, because by 7 it’s already in the 80s ... I lose a couple hours of sleep because I’m having to wake up earlier,” — Elisa Bracamonte “I’ve noticed at least a 10 degree difference in the weather,” — Elisa Bracamonte She identifies as a liberal Democrat and notes that each summer feels progressively hotter. In Cahokia Heights, Illinois, bridge inspector Daemien Williams observes that his utility costs have likely doubled over the past three to four years. “I feel like my utility costs probably doubled in the last three or four years,” — Daemien Williams, a 50-year-old bridge inspector living in Cahokia Heights, Illinois Hazel, a conservative Republican who accepts climate change, describes needing frequent breaks and extra showers to cope with constant sweating outdoors. “As soon as you walk outside, you’re already sweating even if you’re not doing much of anything. I’ve definitely noticed you’re having to take breaks from being outside, you have to bathe, shower more often,” — Hazel

The Independent

The surge in air-conditioning demand is a primary driver of higher electricity bills, a trend that has become a prominent political issue. Scientists calculate that Earth’s average temperature in 2025 ranked among the three hottest years on record, alongside 2024 and 2023, intensifying heat-domes that have already caused thousands of heat-related deaths—more than any other weather event.

The Independent

The poll’s findings align with broader climate observations: extreme heat is extending the summer season, prompting earlier mornings and longer evenings of high temperatures across the West and Midwest. These shifts strain public infrastructure, elevate wildfire risk, and disrupt agriculture and sporting events.

The Independent

• “I have to get up at 5 in the morning to walk before 6, because by 7 it’s already in the 80s ... I lose a couple hours of sleep because I’m having to wake up earlier,” — Elisa Bracamonte

The Independent

• “I’ve noticed at least a 10 degree difference in the weather,” — Elisa Bracamonte

The Independent

• “I feel like my utility costs probably doubled in the last three or four years,” — Daemien Williams, a 50-year-old bridge inspector living in Cahokia Heights, Illinois

The Independent

• “As soon as you walk outside, you’re already sweating even if you’re not doing much of anything. I’ve definitely noticed you’re having to take breaks from being outside, you have to bathe, shower more often,” — Hazel

The Independent