For your right to be curious.

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Are you availabile to be a local fill-in anchor on Morning Edition and/or All Things Considered?
Must be available with notice either weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. and/or 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Apply by June 5, 5 p.m.

Why is extreme heat so deadly?

WAMU 88.5 | By Amanda Williams

Published August 22, 2022 at 2:01 PM CDT

Firefighters put out hot spots from the Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park, California.

Heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S.

Over the last 10 years, it’s killed an average of 135 people per year. That’s more than floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

Today, more than 13 million Americans are under an extreme heat warning, according to Heat.gov. On Aug. 3, it was 124 million.That’s more than a third of the people in the U.S.

Heat.gov is a new collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other federal agencies to improve our response to extreme heat.

How can we adapt to a hotter future? What can we expect in the years to come?

Amanda Williams