U.S. cuts threaten preparation for extreme heat as summer approaches

In the United States, predictions for the summer of 2025 indicate significantly higher temperatures compared to average levels, especially affecting the Midwest and Northeast regions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects elevated temperatures nationwide, adding to concerns about the country's readiness to handle these extreme heat events. The Trump Administration has cut funding and laid off experts from initiatives dedicated to climate and heat research, jeopardizing public safety and community resilience against heat-related threats. This lack of federal resources marks a significant gap in governmental preparedness for heatwaves, as many existing disaster response programs primarily focus on other natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. Experts from institutions like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) have expressed concerns regarding the diminishing federal support. Their warnings emphasize that local communities may not have sufficient resources to tackle extreme heat effectively without federal assistance. The recent layoffs and funding cuts pose a real risk for public health, especially as the summer heats up. To illustrate the severity of the situation, conditions across various states have started to worsen, with cities like Phoenix reporting exceptionally high temperatures in the low 110 degrees Fahrenheit range, while Death Valley reached temperatures of 121 degrees. Extremes in humidity are also expected, impacting approximately 40 states. This combination of high heat and humidity can severely affect health, leading to increased emergency situations. The climate crisis has exacerbated these dangers, contributing to an uptick in occurrences of extreme weather patterns linked to heat event frequency. While there were previous efforts to develop a ‘National Heat Strategy’ under the Biden Administration, these plans have been scrapped by the current administration. Public health experts are voicing alarm, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to handle the challenge of extreme heat. Despite calls for action, the government's stance of leaving disaster management to local entities without providing adequate funding and guidelines remains a point of contention. The trajectory of policy changes over the past months reflects a substantial rollback in advancements made toward addressing climate-induced challenges. With severe heat events imminent, communities across the U.S. confront an uncertain future without the necessary preparation and support.