Elisa Bracamonte has spent her entire life in Arizona, familiar with adjusting her activities around high temperatures. The retired 74-year-old nurse from Tucson now feels the heat impacting various aspects of daily life, including family plans, social gatherings, travel, and her routine morning walks.

“I’ve noticed at least a 10-degree difference in the weather,” Bracamonte shared. “Every summer, it seems to be getting hotter and hotter.”

A poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that many Americans, like Bracamonte, are now experiencing personal effects from extreme heat. More U.S. adults report that extreme heat has significantly or minimally altered their travel and vacation plans, increased electricity bills, disrupted sleep, and affected outdoor activities compared to previous years.

The study indicates that those living in the Western and Midwestern regions report the most substantial changes. Political affiliations also play a role; Democrats are more often acknowledging a major impact from extreme heat than Republicans.

Scientists highlight that global warming has worsened in recent years, with 2025 data showing Earth’s average temperature as one of the highest recorded, alongside 2024 and 2023. The United States faces dangerous heat domes with extreme temperatures throughout the year.

Extreme heat is deadly, causing more heat-related deaths annually than any other weather event. Its effects extend to increased wildfire risks, infrastructure strain, agricultural damage, and disruption of events like sports. The poll highlights how heat waves are affecting Americans’ everyday experiences.

Bracamonte observes, 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 of hours of sleep because I’m having to wake up earlier. The intense heat forces her to drink plenty of water while outdoors.

Electricity Bills on the Rise

Approximately 80% of Americans indicated that their electricity bills experienced significant or minor increases due to extreme heat over the past year, up from 69% in July 2024.

In the Midwest, 44% reported major impacts on electricity expenses, a notable rise from 29% two years prior. Extreme weather influences bills as people consume more energy for air conditioning.

Daemien Williams, a 50-year-old bridge inspector in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, states, I feel like my utility costs probably doubled in the last three or four years. Williams meticulously reviews his bills, noting increased electricity usage rather than solely rising prices.

Travel and Vacation Plans Affected

Extreme heat is altering Americans’ routines in other ways. Nearly 40% of respondents indicated heat impacts their travel or vacation plans, up from about a quarter in 2024.

Bracamonte expressed, It has affected my entire family because we usually get together a lot during the summer. Travel plans have become challenging with more fires and floods in regions like Texas and Arizona.

High temperatures also increase wildfire risk and intensify storms, leading to more rainfall.

About 70% of respondents acknowledged that extreme heat affects their outdoor activities, compared to around 60% in 2024.

Massachusetts resident Sean Conway mentioned that extreme temperatures impact his children’s soccer practices. As a moderate independent leaning toward Republicans, Conway views the inconvenience as minor, suggesting, Sometimes, you’ve got to just be out in the bad weather.

Jennifer Francis from the Woodwell Climate Research Center notes, Brutal, life-threatening heat waves have become more frequent, more intense, and more persistent in many parts of the globe. She emphasized that these conditions impact health and finances.

Climate Change Belief Remains Steady

While extreme heat’s personal effects are growing, belief in climate change shows stability. Around 66% of Americans acknowledge climate change, a slight drop compared to 73% in 2025.

Daemien Williams attributes his climate change belief partly to weather extremes. He highlights increased flooding as an indicator of climatic shifts caused by both natural and human activities.

John Hazel, based in Waco, Texas, reminisces about his childhood, recalling that 100-degree days were rare. Hazel, who accepts climate change, adjusts his plans around the heat, stating, Seasons felt a little more balanced. Now it feels like summer’s a bit lingering, it starts earlier and lasts longer. He reports needing more breaks outside and frequent bathing.

The survey, conducted from July 23-27, 2026, involved 1,165 adults, with a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points.

For more information, contact AP climate reporter Alexa St. John via email or follow her on social media.