10 U.S. Cities Where Summers Are Lasting Longer
Around the world, temperatures have been climbing steadily for decades – and the pace of warming has rapidly accelerated in recent years. In many parts of the United States, this warming trend is perhaps most evident in hotter summers. In each of the last five meteorological summers in the continental United States, average temperatures were at least 73°F, more than 1.5°F higher than the 20th century average for the season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A report from the non-profit research group Climate Central shows that not only is summer heat intensifying, it is also lasting longer. The report found that in 92% of the 246 U.S. cities studied, summer temperatures are now lasting later into the year – by an average of 10 days – than they did in the early 1970s.
In certain parts of the country, summer heat extending into the fall season can have several negative environmental implications. These include, but are not limited to, longer wildfire seasons, altered bird migration patterns, and higher risk of heat-related illness – especially for vulnerable populations.
Using data from Climate Central, Climate Crisis 247 identified the U.S. cities where summer heat is now lingering well into the fall season. We reviewed data for nearly 250 cities and ranked them on the length of time between the last day local temperatures matched or exceeded the 75th percentile temperature in 1970 and the last day temperatures matched or exceeded that threshold in 2024. For each city, 75th percentile temperatures are rounded to the nearest 5°F and were established using climate averages recorded between 1991 and 2020. Supplemental population data are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey. Only cities where summer temperatures now extend at least 20 days later into the year than they did in 1970 rank on this list.
The cities on this list are largely concentrated in the South and are home to more than 3 million Americans.
10. Austin, Texas
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 23 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 95°F
- Local population: 967,862
9. Odessa, Texas
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 24 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 90°F
- Local population: 114,080
8. Tucson, Arizona
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 24 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 95°F
- Local population: 543,348
7. McAllen, Texas
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 24 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 95°F
- Local population: 143,789
6. Burlington, Vermont
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 25 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 75°F
- Local population: 44,649
5. Lubbock, Texas
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 27 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 90°F
- Local population: 261,078
4. Tampa, Florida
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 28 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 90°F
- Local population: 393,389
3. San Angelo, Texas
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 31 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 95°F
- Local population: 99,507
2. Miami, Florida
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 46 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 90°F
- Local population: 446,663
1. Wheeling, West Virginia
- Change in length of time 75th percentile heat extends into fall, 1970-2024: 52 days
- Approximate 75th percentile temperature in city: 80°F
- Local population: 26,670
