"Fire Season" is the new norm in a warming world

Summers today are far more intense than those of the past, with people experiencing longer-lasting, more frequent, and hotter heat waves. As one Reddit user, Ok-Research7136, noted, "Fire was not a season when we were kids." This sentiment is echoed by many who remember cooler, more predictable summers. Now, climate change is dramatically altering our seasonal experiences, leading to hotter and more dangerous summers.

The number of heat waves in the U.S. has grown significantly, from an average of two per year in the 1960s to six in recent decades. The heat wave season has expanded by 49 days, significantly increasing the duration of extreme heat. Children growing up today experience far more heat waves than those in the mid-20th century. For example, kids in Philadelphia now endure over four more heat waves each summer compared to the 1960s, while those in San Francisco face nearly seven more. According to Scientific American, this trend is expected to continue, with future generations experiencing even more frequent and intense heat waves.

The public health implications of these intensified summers are severe. The summer of 2020 was the hottest in 2,000 years, resulting in 2,300 deaths in the U.S. due to excessive heat. This is the highest number in 45 years of recorded data, and experts suggest that this figure might only represent a fraction of the true toll. Heat waves are now the deadliest extreme weather events in the U.S., surpassing hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, according to National Geographic.

This summer is expected to continue the trend of extreme heat. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service predicts a greater than 50% chance of above-normal temperatures across nearly all of the Northern Hemisphere. Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts above-normal temperatures for most of the U.S., particularly in the Southwest and Northeast. As NOAA meteorologist Dan Collins explains, the high odds of a hot summer in these areas are primarily based on the long-term global warming trend (NOAA).

Personal accounts from Reddit users highlight the noticeable changes in summer heat. One_bean_hahahaha reminisced, "Growing up in Canada, air conditioning was rolling down the car window. Now that gets you blasted in the face with hot air."

Another user, jutzi46, pointed out the decline in insect populations due to the heat, noting, " It used to be you couldn't drive anywhere around here during the warm weather without getting pelted, drive down a forested side road, and your windshield would be one big smear." Such anecdotes reflect the broader environmental shifts caused by rising temperatures.

Effective adaptation will require significant changes in infrastructure and public awareness. Cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix have created "heat officer" positions to better inform and protect residents from extreme heat. These officers help spread awareness, recommend precautions, and coordinate services with organizations that support vulnerable populations.

Summers today are undeniably hotter and more hazardous than those of previous generations. The increased frequency and intensity of heat waves pose serious public health threats and highlight the urgent need for climate action and adaptation. By understanding and addressing these challenges, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Editor's Note: The article was originally published in June 2024.