U.S.: intensity of heat waves by decade

In the United States, the average heat wave was 2.0°F above the local temperature threshold during the 1960s. During the 2010s, the average heat wave has increased to reach 2.5°F above the local threshold.
A series of unusually hot days is referred to as an extreme heat event or a heat wave.

Intensity of heat waves in the United States between 1961 and 2019, by decade (in Fahrenheit)

Characteristic	Temperature increase in Fahrenheit
2010s	2.46
2000s	2.36
1990s	2.31
1980s	2.19
1970s	2.11
1960s	1.99

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Release date

2021

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

1961 to 2019

Special properties

averages across 50 most populous metropolitan areas

Supplementary notes

The values represents the heat wave intensity, compared with the local temperature threshold for defining a heat wave.

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