Urban Heat Hot Spots

The entire planet is warming due to human-caused climate change, but the built environment further amplifies both average temperatures and extreme heat in cities.

A 2024 Climate Central analysis shows how and where urban heat islands boost temperatures within 65 major U.S. cities that are home to 50 million people, or 15% of the total U.S. population.

For additional content related to urban heat, visit our Climate Matters resources page.