U.S. Summers Are Hotter and LongerAnd Austin Is No Exception

Climate Central's analysis indicates that 97% of U. S. cities have experienced rising temperatures since 1970, with an average increase of 2. 6°F. Austin has seen 50 additional summer days with temperatures exceeding normal, reflecting broader national trends.

The year 2024 marked the fastest rise in carbon emissions recorded, intensifying the onset of heat and increasing the frequency of extreme heat events. Cities in the Northwest and Southwest, including Reno and Las Vegas, lead in temperature increases, with the national average summer temperature rising by nearly 5°F since 1970. Heat-related illnesses are on the rise, with the National Weather Service identifying heat as the top weather-related cause of fatalities in the U. S. In 2023, heat was linked to 2,325 deaths.

Deteriorating air quality, particularly in Central Texas, correlates with an increase in Ozone Action Days, posing risks for those with asthma or other respiratory issues. If current trends persist, 2025 is projected to rank among the hottest years recorded globally and nationally.