Danger Ahead

Growing up in Baltimore, I thought I knew a thing or two about the nasty one-two punch of heat and humidity. But according to this infographic, I haven’t experienced anything like what climate change has in store for many cities across the country.

A new Climate Central analysis of 144 U.S. cities looks at “danger days,” when the combination of heat and humidity (a.k.a. the heat index) makes it feel like 105 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Since 1950, only a dozen of those 144 cities have averaged more than one danger day per year. But by 2030, only nine cities will experiences less than one danger day per year. And 85 will experience at least 20—that same sweaty fate will befall a whopping 109 cities by 2050.

This kind of heat and humidity isn’t just incredibly unpleasant, it can be deadly. Those who work outside or are already ill are particularly at risk, as are the very young and senior citizens. Snowbirds, take note: You’ll want to think twice about retiring to Florida. 

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