Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Western US Sees Sharp Increase in Extreme Weather Impact
News
By News
Published 3 months ago on
April 2, 2025

A new Gallup poll shows that extreme weather events have sharply increased in the Western U.S., with 43% of residents affected, largely due to wildfires and extreme heat, while concerns about climate change continue to rise. (Shutterstock AI)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A new Gallup poll reveals that 37% of U.S. adults have been personally impacted by extreme weather in the past two years, a notable increase from 33% in 2022 and 2023. Western residents have seen the sharpest rise, with 43% reporting they’ve experienced extreme weather, up from 30% last year.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/658745/extreme-weather-affects-sharply-western.aspx

In contrast, fewer Eastern residents reported extreme weather events, down to 21% from 30% in previous years. The South, where extreme weather is most common, saw a modest increase, while the Midwest experienced small upticks as well.

The March 3-16 poll coincides with a period of strong hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes across the U.S. Wildfires and extreme heat have been particularly impactful in the West. Seventeen percent of Western residents reported being affected by wildfires, up from just 5% in 2023. Additionally, 11% experienced excessive heat, compared to 5% two years ago.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/658745/extreme-weather-affects-sharply-western.aspx

Southern residents are most affected by hurricanes, with 28% reporting exposure in the past two years. Tornadoes and extreme cold also had significant impacts on those in the Midwest, while floods were the leading extreme weather event in the East.

One in four Americans affected by extreme weather reported significant life disruptions, such as power outages or property damage. The survey also found that those who had experienced extreme weather were significantly more likely to express heightened concern about climate change.

Read more at Gallup.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

PG&E Is Hiring an Executive Bodyguard. Combat Shooting Experience Required

US Senate Adjusting Rooftop Solar Language in Budget Bill, Senator Says

1 hour ago

Early US Intel Assessment Suggests Strikes on Iran Did Not Destroy Nuclear Sites, CNN Reports

1 hour ago

Nasdaq 100 Notches First Record High Close Since February

The Nasdaq 100 notched a record high close on Tuesday for the first time since February, rebounding from deep losses in recent months relate...

28 seconds ago

A logo is displayed at the Nasdaq stock market site in New York City, U.S., April 7, 2025. (Reuters File)
28 seconds ago

Nasdaq 100 Notches First Record High Close Since February

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference, in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File Photo
4 minutes ago

Things Netanyahu Might Say if Injected With Truth Serum

Boxes of aid are stacked as Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it has commenced operations to begin distribution of aid, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 26, 2025. (Reuters File)
20 minutes ago

US to Give $30 Million to Gaza Aid Operation Despite Violence Concerns

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) speaks during a television interview on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 31, 2022. (Reuters File)
1 hour ago

US Senate Adjusting Rooftop Solar Language in Budget Bill, Senator Says

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, before the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 20, 2025. MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
1 hour ago

Early US Intel Assessment Suggests Strikes on Iran Did Not Destroy Nuclear Sites, CNN Reports

A woman shades her self with an umbrella at the World War II Memorial, amid a dangerous heat wave afflicting the eastern half of the United States, in Washington, U.S., June 24, 2025. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
1 hour ago

US Cities Face Record High Temperatures on Worst Day of Heat Wave

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, nominated to be commander of United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, testifies before a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt
1 hour ago

Yemen’s Houthis Likely to Be Persistent Problem for US, Senior Military Official Says

Representations of cryptocurrency Bitcoin are seen in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. (Reuters File)
2 hours ago

US Investor Strikes $1 Billion Merger to Create Bitcoin Treasury Company

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend