Is Indoor Summer the New Normal? Climate Change Delivers Scorching Heat Across America

As global temperatures rise, more Americans are spending their summers indoors, escaping the intense heat in air-conditioned environments. This shift is evident in the experiences of many, including Akshay Govind, an oral surgeon from Oakland, California. His family's annual vacation to Lake Chelan in Central Washington was disrupted this year by wildfires and extreme heat—hallmarks of climate change.

“Depending on the direction of the winds, we either had the 100-plus degree heat, the smoke from a fire or both. That really limited our outdoor activities,” Govind shared with Yahoo News. The normally relaxing vacation was marred by poor air quality from wildfires and triple-digit temperatures, turning an outdoor retreat into an indoor refuge.

Rising Temperatures and Frequent Heatwaves

Summers have been getting hotter due to climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, heat waves have become more frequent, last longer, and bring higher temperatures since the 1960s. Between 1971 and 2000, average summer temperatures in the U.S. rose by 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit, with the West experiencing an increase of 2.7 degrees.

These rising temperatures are forcing residents to adapt to a new normal. Jennifer Frogerson from Austin, Texas, recounted how last summer was too hot to walk during the day or night. Even the private pool at her condo was unbearable due to the high humidity and triple-digit temperatures.

Health Hazards of Extreme Heat

Extreme heat poses significant health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 1,300 Americans die each year from heat-related illnesses. The body struggles to maintain cool organ temperatures in extreme heat, putting strain on the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of heart attacks and kidney failure.

Adapting to the New Normal

As summers become hotter, Americans are seeking new routines that avoid outdoor activities. Summer camps and classes have been canceled in places like Portland, Oregon, and high school football seasons have been delayed in states like Texas due to health risks. Outdoor music festivals in Alexandria, Virginia, have also been canceled because of heat emergencies. In cities like Phoenix, residents have already adjusted to limiting outdoor activities, a trend now spreading nationwide.

Cleveland teacher Tammi Minoski shared that the extreme heat affects her health, causing nausea and headaches, prompting her to stay indoors as much as possible during the summer.

The Way Forward

This shift to indoor activities has led to an increase in articles offering ideas for fun indoor activities and ways to exercise pets indoors during hot days. Climate scientists warn that unless fossil fuel consumption is reduced, global temperatures will continue to rise.

“For anyone who was doubting the reality of climate change 20-25 years ago, fewer reasonable people can do that now,” Govind emphasized.

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