Why U.S. Cities are Getting Hotter
Image courtesy of Joni-Pekka Luomala under Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed, resized to 700 x 391 pixels.
New research has revealed that, since 1970, almost all cities in the U.S. – and all 50 states – have been getting hotter. In fact, they have, on average, warmed by almost 3 degrees during that time. Reno, named the fastest-warming city in the U.S. by Climate Central 2 years in a row, has seen its average temperature increase by a whopping 8 degrees during this time period.
Why the U.S. is Getting Hotter
According to the study, since 1970, the fastest-warming states are Alaska, (+4.3 degrees), Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey (+3.7 degrees), and Vermont and New Mexico (+3.6 degrees). In terms of cities, after Reno the fastest-warming are Las Vegas, El Paso, Tyler (TX), Burlington (VT), and Albany (GA).
The reason for this is likely common knowledge. The reality is that the Earth in general is getting hotter, and in fact the planet experienced its hottest year on record in 2024. Some may call it climate change, but regardless of the underlying cause, the effect on utility companies is substantial. As things warm up, extreme weather becomes more likely and less predictable. In addition, warming temperatures increase coastal flood risks as sea levels rise, and increase the frequency and severity of wildfires.
Of course, it’s also not safe. Nearly 500 people died from heat-related issues last year in Clark County, NV, alone – a 60% increase in the county from 2023. This is yet another sign that, going forward, your restoration crews will be more taxed and at greater risk than ever before.
So, what can you do about it? Well, of course my recommendation is to put your emergency preparedness program into overdrive. Ensure everyone has a properly defined storm role and is trained properly. Then put this training into practice by conducting exercises and drills. And review all emergency plans, processes, and protocols at least once a year and make updates and improvements as needed. Yes, things are getting hotter, and that means your emergency plans need to be better.
