News

Those Scorching Early-Summer temps? It’s Climate Change.

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.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Hot Philly schools, EPA workers declare dissent, city union on strike & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Over half of Philadelphia’s K-12 students are overheating…

2 days ago

Teens Cultivate Soil and Safety at the Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden

When the world is overwhelming, dangerous, or stressful, the Sankofa community farm serves as a…

3 days ago

Here’s a map for where to take your trash during the DC 33 Strike in Philly

Glitter built an interactive map for this challenging time. Plus: why some residents are refusing…

4 days ago

Food recovery tool helps businesses divert excess food from landfills

This visual guide from a local nonprofit helps speed up decision-making for busy restaurants.   Food…

4 days ago

Compost network growing, rising temperatures, state energy plans, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Community Compost Network is expanding. Farm Philly, Parks and…

1 week ago

Ocean City among NJ coastal towns affected by sea-level rise

Millions have been pledged to fight flooding in this local favorite shore town. Is it…

1 week ago