Philadelphia’s summer temps have increased 3 degrees since 1970.

We’ve been saying Philadelphia will become hotter and wetter due to climate change. But the data shows that climate change is here.

As greenhouse gases increase the global average temperature, they affect our local temps too. In Philly, we’re seeing increasing our daytime temps, warmer summer nights, and the number of hot days.

That means those days in the 90s earlier this week? It’s yet another sign that climate change is here. Philadelphia’s average summer temperatures are increasing, along with our summer nights.

Although scientists say we can’t look at one day and determine that it’s climate change, we can look at overall trends, that collectively point to climate change. So what do the trends say?

Since 1970, Philadelphia has experienced 5 more days above 95 degrees. There could be as many as 52 days above 95 degrees by the end of the century if climate emissions continue to increase.

This trend isn’t just local to Philadelphia but is happening across the US. About 95% of locations monitored by Climate Central have had an increase in their summer temperature.

The human consequences of hotter summers

Increasing temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable. Extreme heat is the deadliest kind of hazardous weather and has consequences for human health, including heat-related illnesses, poorer air quality and more.

In Philadelphia, temperatures can fluctuate as much as 22 degrees in one day. A lack of trees, dark-colored roofs, and other factors impact neighborhood temperatures, and black and brown residents are often hit hardest by urban heat, making heat an equity issue.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher