Fastest-warming cities in the U.S.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.08° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.11° F (#14 slowest-warming state)

The cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point make up this region in central North Carolina. In the Piedmont Triad, urban areas are growing, likely expanding the heat island effects. The Piedmont Triad Regional Council has a plan for climate adaptation, and has published a report detailing short- and long-term responses to relevant events, including heat waves. This is vital for residents, as the region is home to North Carolina's largest elderly population, which, along with infants, is more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

[Pictured: Winston-Salem, N.C.—One of the three major parts that consist of the Piedmont Triad.]

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.09° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.31° F (#23 slowest-warming state)

Louisville residents have already experienced more days per year topping 90 degrees and the three wettest years on record in the past decade, according to a May 2019 report by the Geos Institute. The minimum yearly temperature has jumped by 5.5 degrees since 1990. Kentucky's largest city has taken some steps to address climate change, committing to reduce emissions 80% by 2050.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.10° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.97° F (#6 slowest-warming state)

This urban heat island hasn't done much to address the effects of climate change, despite seeing longer and more extreme heat waves than the rest of the United States. The Montgomery Advertiser reports that state leaders are not addressing climate change, either. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Coastal Comprehensive Plan hints at building resilience to climate change's effects, but the state lacks a plan directly tackling the challenge.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.10° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.69° F (#19 fastest-warming state)

In April 2013, residents of Grand Rapids caught a glimpse of what their future might hold. That year, the Grand River flooded Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, which an August 2016 report by the Environmental Protection Agency says shows that the city is vulnerable to significant floods. The same year, residents endured extreme heat waves during the summer. Experts predict that these events will become more common as greenhouse gases are fed into the atmosphere and the climate continues to change.

Grand Rapids is one of over 400 U.S. cities confronting its role in climate change by signing on to the Compact of Mayors, upholding the United Nations’ Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Grand Rapids also has taken other measures to mitigate warming. To reduce the urban heat island effect, the city is aiming for a 40% tree canopy cover goal. As of April 2019, the city just needed 5.4% more cover to meet its goal.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.12° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.89° F (#2 slowest-warming state)

This year, Atlanta has experienced over 80 days reaching at least 90 degrees (well above its typical 37 days a year). By 2050, with no action on climate change, the Union of Concerned Scientists says this would constitute a cool year. In a business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions scenario, Atlanta is projected to average 102 days per year with a heat index, or "feels like" temperature, above 90 degrees. 

While the city is willing to work on climate change, state politics might get in the way. This past March, the Atlanta City Council adopted a climate action plan, but the utility Georgia Power has frustrated the council's goals to shift the city toward renewable energy. Georgia Power representatives have said that because of state regulations, their priority must be cost for customers, and unless renewables become cheaper, they'll continue to rely on natural gas.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.12° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.00° F (#6 fastest-warming state)

Atlantic City is leading New Jersey in warming. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, New Jersey’s state climatologist David Robinson attributes the state’s higher sea levels and Atlantic City’s sunny-day floods (flooding from unusually high tides) to the rise in temperature. The state is taking steps to better prepare for these events and to prevent them, such as by restoring beaches and putting caps on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. New Jersey is also a member of the U.S. Climate alliance, a coalition of states committed to meeting the Paris Agreement goals.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.14° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.23° F (#3 fastest-warming state)

Prescott is in one of the fastest-warming states, and one of four Arizona cities that made this list. Located in the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott typically experiences warm summers, cool winters and moderate humidity. Prescott is warming slower than the rest of the state, but still experiences an urban heat island effect that elevates its temperatures above those of more rural surroundings.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.16° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.09° F (#13 slowest-warming state)

In Wichita, a longer mosquito season has accompanied the rise in heat and humidity, threatening public health. The heat is also producing more ground-level ozone, which can lead to respiratory issues in humans. Wichita's urban heat island effect has led to 15 more days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit each year compared to rural areas, on average (since 1973). However, it doesn’t appear that Wichita or the state has assessed its vulnerability to climate change or adopted a plan to adapt to these changes.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.21° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.97° F (#5 slowest-warming state)

Fargo residents with seasonal allergies may already be noticing the heat. Since 1995, the city's mosquito season has also increased: the season is now 67 days on average per year since 2006 compared with 40 days on average each year from 1980 to 1989.

With the "Green Fargo" initiative, local government is taking steps toward creating a more environmentally friendly city. To reduce emissions, city officials have added hybrid metro buses to the current fleet and are using blended biodiesel fuel. The Department of Solid Waste now uses wind and solar power, and harnesses the methane gas from decomposing garbage to create electricity.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.22° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.67° F (#20 fastest-warming state)

As a city, the urban heat island effect is likely contributing to Mankato's faster warming than the rest of Minnesota. While the local government has sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce driving and urban sprawl that could reduce the city's emissions, these initiatives aren't specifically focused on combating climate change.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.23° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.02° F (#5 fastest-warming state)

In efforts to curb the warming trend, Salt Lake City's two main goals are to use renewable electricity for half of city operations by 2020 (and 100% of operations by 2030) and a 50% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (and an 80% reduction by 2040). To achieve these goals, the city is working with its utility, Rocky Mountain Power, to develop clean energy resources. The city has built three net-zero energy municipal buildings, which use as much energy as they produce.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.24° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.40° F (#24 slowest-warming state)

A port city on the western shore of Lake Erie, Toledo has started to see higher air temperatures. This heat has affected the lake, too, blocking ice formation. As time goes on, Toledo will also experience more heat wave days, possibly more than 20 per year compared with the state average of about five per year.

To address these threats, the county's Toledo Lucas County Sustainability Commission has a plan to protect the region's natural resources; increase biking, walking, and public transportation options; encourage purchase of local food; and increase the amount of renewable energy businesses and government use.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.24° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.69° F (#18 fastest-warming state)

In Concord, summers are getting muggier and the mosquito season is getting longer, now at 71 days per year since 2006, compared with 56 days per year during the 1980s. The City of Concord is working to mitigate the effects of global warming, with a goal in place toward cutting emissions and transitioning to total renewable energy by 2050.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.25° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.74° F (#16 fastest-warming state)

As the average temperature has risen, La Crosse's mosquito season has increased by 34 days—from 73 to 107 days—since the 1980s. To fight further warming in the region, Eau Claire pledged to become carbon neutral and use 100% renewable energy by 2050. La Crosse soon followed, committing to the same goals. The Eau Claire City Council has also outlined measures to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions in its Comprehensive Plan, including planting trees, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and remodeling buildings to align with green standards.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.10° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.69° F (#19 fastest-warming state)

In April 2013, residents of Grand Rapids caught a glimpse of what their future might hold. That year, the Grand River flooded Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, which an August 2016 report by the Environmental Protection Agency says shows that the city is vulnerable to significant floods. The same year, residents endured extreme heat waves during the summer. Experts predict that these events will become more common as greenhouse gases are fed into the atmosphere and the climate continues to change.

Grand Rapids is one of over 400 U.S. cities confronting its role in climate change by signing on to the Compact of Mayors, upholding the United Nations' Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Grand Rapids also has taken other measures to mitigate warming. To reduce the urban heat island effect, the city is aiming for a 40% tree canopy cover goal. As of April 2019, the city just needed 5.4% more cover to meet its goal.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.26° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.11° F (#14 slowest-warming state)

Raleigh is already seeing increases in heat waves above the national average. Since 1970, Raleigh has seen 18.6 more days above 95 degrees, annually. By 2050, the heat index could reach 105 degrees, 70 days each year. To reduce the city's impact on warming, the Raleigh City Council adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% over the next 30 years. The city already has made progress: since 2012, the city government reports, the city has reduced municipal emissions by 19%. Durham has committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050, with net zero carbon emissions.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.31° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Over the past 50 years, fall temperatures have followed an increasing trend in Texas' Brazos Valley. Bryan and College Station now experience 17 warmer-than-normal days during the fall season each year. This region is just one of seven Texas metropolitan areas to make this list. Climate Central gives Texas a failing report card grade for its climate change preparedness. The state does not have a climate change vulnerability assessment or action plan, and its Emergency Management Plan doesn't cover responses to extreme heat.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.33° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 4.22° F (#1 fastest-warming state)

Anchorage winters are six degrees warmer on average than they were in the 1940s. In Alaska, uncomfortable heat waves aren't as much of a concern, although, this past summer, temperatures reached 90 degrees in Anchorage for the first time on record. Some of the biggest concerns in the fastest-warming state are how rising temperatures are changing the landscape, melting glaciers and permafrost. Anchorage adopted a Climate Action Plan this past May, setting a goal of an 80% reduction in emissions from 2008 levels by 2050.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.35° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.63° F (#21 fastest-warming state)

Presque Isle is located in northeast of Maine, close to the Canadian border. Maine has taken some actions toward combating climate change, and reports it is on track to meet its goal of reducing emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by next year. However, it's not clear if the state will continue to reduce emissions after the 2020 target is met.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.39° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.21° F (#19 slowest-warming state)

This already hot and humid city is getting hotter and muggier thanks to global warming and the urban heat island effect. Now, about 35 days each year top dangerously hot levels in Louisiana, but by 2050, that number could reach 115. For elderly and young children, the rising temperatures present a serious health risk. These climate trends offer mosquitoes the opportunity to stick around longer each year, exposing people to mosquito-borne illnesses.

Among New Orleans' plans to address climate change are a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To help meet this target, the city is installing solar power on city properties, improving public transit fuel efficiency, and building a bike-share system.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.39° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

According to a study from the Texas Trees Foundation, concrete and residential buildings cover over one-third of Dallas, absorbing the sun's heat and slowly radiating it out. Dallas is developing a climate action plan and has joined other U.S. cities in sticking to the Paris Agreement. Fort Worth, on the other hand, does not appear to have a formal plan to address the effects of climate change.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.41° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.97° F (#6 slowest-warming state)

Like Birmingham and the state at large, Huntsville does not have any formal plans to address the heat of climate change. Also like Birmingham, Huntsville is a heat island and stays warmer, longer, than other Alabama regions.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.41° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.28° F (#22 slowest-warming state)

Although the city is warming faster than the rest of the state, Wheeling's government has not made any plans to address climate change impacts. In 30 years, West Virginia will experience about 20 dangerously hot days per year, an increase from an average of less than five. The state also has not formulated any plans to address the rising temperatures due to climate change.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.44° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.40° F (#24 slowest-warming state)

Data from NOAA projects that Columbus will see about 65 days of 95-degree temperatures on average, compared with the current average of just 10 annually. At the same time, the number of days below freezing will decrease. The city also has a strong heat island effect, with the eighth-largest difference between urban and rural temperatures. Columbus averages 4.4 degrees warmer than rural areas during the summer, but up to 24 degrees.

The city is working to build resiliency with its climate adaptation plan, and the mayor has committed Columbus to meeting Paris Agreement targets. To address extreme heat, the plan proposes establishing a network of cooling centers, implementing educational initiatives about health risks, generally taking steps to reduce the heat island effect, and providing air conditioner distribution programs for vulnerable populations.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.46° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.32° F (#2 fastest-warming state)

Albuquerque ranks #2 for the biggest difference between urban and rural temperatures. This urban heat island can get up 22 degrees hotter than rural surroundings, averaging 5.9 degrees warmer in summer with 25 more days above 90 degrees each year. Both Santa Fe and Albuquerque have committed to meet goals set by the Paris Agreement.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.50° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Austin has been experiencing more droughts, and a growing population straining the water supply does nothing to help. Dry conditions coupled with warming temperatures make Austin's greenbelts (protected woodlands within city bounds) perfect fodder for urban wildfires.

Experts predict that generally, wildfires will become more common thanks to increases in temperatures and dryness. The city is keenly aware of climate change threats, and has agreed to meet Paris Agreement targets. Some of the city's goals include carbon neutrality for Austin city operations by 2020 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Austin reports that it has made progress on its climate plan and will publish revisions based on that progress in 2020.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.50° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Austin has been experiencing more droughts, and a growing population straining the water supply does nothing to help. Dry conditions coupled with warming temperatures make Austin's greenbelts (protected woodlands within city bounds) perfect fodder for urban wildfires.

Experts predict that generally, wildfires will become more common thanks to increases in temperatures and dryness. The city is keenly aware of climate change threats, and has agreed to meet Paris Agreement targets. Some of the city's goals include carbon neutrality for Austin city operations by 2020 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Austin reports that it has made progress on its climate plan and will publish revisions based on that progress in 2020.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.49° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.23° F (#3 fastest-warming state)

In the southwestern corner of Arizona, Yuma and El Centro are hot, dry desert cities, receiving just about 3 inches of precipitation each year. Deserts are warming faster than the rest of the world, on average, which could be contributing to the cities' faster temperature increase.

Although neither city appears to have a formal climate change adaptation strategy, this year Yuma adopted a plan to increase tree canopy coverage in the city. The plan doesn't list fighting climate change as a main goal, but does point out that planting more trees can cut energy needs by shading buildings, reducing ground-level pollution, and reducing temperatures by transpiration.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.50° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Austin has been experiencing more droughts, and a growing population straining the water supply does nothing to help. Dry conditions coupled with warming temperatures make Austin's greenbelts (protected woodlands within city bounds) perfect fodder for urban wildfires.

Experts predict that generally, wildfires will become more common thanks to increases in temperatures and dryness. The city is keenly aware of climate change threats, and has agreed to meet Paris Agreement targets. Some of the city's goals include carbon neutrality for Austin city operations by 2020 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Austin reports that it has made progress on its climate plan and will publish revisions based on that progress in 2020.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.51° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.78° F (#13 fastest-warming state)

In the past 20 years, Albany has had five times as many record warm days than cold: 76 record highs versus 17 record lows. Albany's urban heat island effect is intense, with summer days averaging 3.8 degrees hotter than rural surroundings, reaching up to 22 degrees hotter. To fight against the warming climate, the city also has joined the Compact of Mayors to meet Paris Agreement goals.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.51° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.12° F (#16 slowest-warming state)

Southern Oregon cities such as Medford are experiencing warmer temperatures, which reduce the snowpack that serves as a reservoir, providing fresh water during spring and summer as it melts. As the climate continues to change, Oregon likely will see more rain in winter as opposed to snow, which could erode slopes and cause landslides, in addition to negatively impacting industries that rely on snow.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.58° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

If greenhouse gas emissions continue to pollute the atmosphere at current rates, Houston will experience 74 days a year, on average, with a heat index above 105 degrees, compared to just 10 currently.

To cut down on heat-trapping greenhouse gases, the mayor of Houston has committed to the Paris Agreement. Houston is already using greener energy sources, and used solar and wind for about 90% of city energy consumption in 2017. This past year, Houston has been finalizing its full climate action plan, which it hopes to start implementing by spring 2020.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.59° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Located in the Permian Basin, Odessa boasts major oil and gas reserves. Perhaps unsurprisingly since its economy relies on fossil fuels, Odessa does not appear to have taken any action to fight climate change or warming temperatures in the city.

[Pictured: Stonehenge Replica (70% of Original Size) on the Campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas.]

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.66° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.72° F (#17 fastest-warming state)

Fresno is the largest city in California's San Joaquin Valley, and averages over a month of triple-digit temperatures each summer. At the end of the century, the valley's economy, which now relies on agriculture, will need to make major changes. As the heat rises, water scarcity issues that already plague the state will worsen. Farmers will need to cut back on irrigation practices, possibly growing different crops to make up for the lack of water. A California law requires the state to reduce its emissions to 1990 levels by next year, but Fresno has gone further than the 2020 goal. It plans to reduce emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.67° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.67° F (#20 fastest-warming state)

Duluth is feeling the effects of warming not so much in heatwaves, but in warmer winters. By warmer, Minnesota climatologists mean fewer winter days reaching 30 degrees below zero. Because Duluth is a cooler city, community leaders have started branding the city as a climate refuge. Its attraction to climate refugees could also spur economic growth for the city, although some have voiced concerns that this approach could disrupt natural resources and taxation.

In the meantime, Duluth is working to minimize the city's impact on climate change. Duluth's mayor joined over 400 other U.S. mayors to uphold targets set by the Paris Agreement, to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.70° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.74° F (#16 fastest-warming state)

Milwaukee is an urban heat island that can get up to 18 degrees warmer than its rural surroundings. On average, summer days are 1.4 degrees hotter than rural areas. The rising temperatures are bringing increased ozone levels, threatening residents' health. Like La Crosse and Eau Claire, Milwaukee has pledged to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to go carbon neutral by 2050. Milwaukee city and county have created a task force focused on achieving this goal.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.72° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.67° F (#20 fastest-warming state)

The urban heat island effect keeps these twin cities warmer than neighboring communities. Minneapolis is on average 4.3 degrees, but up to 22 degrees, warmer than rural areas during the summer months, the ninth-largest difference in the country.

Both Saint Paul and Minneapolis are working to reduce their carbon footprints. Saint Paul's climate action plan is still in draft stages, but focuses on reducing emissions from the city's biggest greenhouse gas contributors: building heating and transportation. Minneapolis has had a plan in place for several years, and is working to implement relevant policies. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul have committed to meeting Paris Agreement targets.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.84° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.62° F (#22 fastest-warming state)

Boise is warming about two times as fast as the rest of the country. This will likely exacerbate the city's urban heat island effect, which keeps Boise 3.1 degrees warmer than rural areas on average during the summer, but this difference can reach 23 degrees. According to Boise's Climate Adaptive Assessment, by 2050 Boise will go from experiencing 16 to about 66 days with a heat index above 91 degrees each summer. Boise is currently developing a plan to mitigate impacts on climate change for release in 2020.

Earlier this year, the city launched its Climate Now program, a collection of efforts to reduce Boise's carbon footprint, including committing to total clean electricity use throughout the city by 2035. Boise is also working toward the Paris Agreement's emission-reduction goals.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.85° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.91° F (#4 slowest-warming state)

Since 1980, St. Louis's mosquito season has grown from 100 to 131 days, following the trends of increased temperatures and humidity in the city. By 2050, the city will see about two months’ worth of dangerous heat each year. During the summer, St. Louis is about 4 degrees warmer than rural areas because of the urban heat island effect.

In 2018, St. Louis received a grant to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies' American Cities Climate Change program. Through this initiative, St. Louis aims to improve building performance and make progress on implementing solar energy and vehicle electrification by December of 2020. St. Louis's mayor also has pledged to adopt and uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 3.92° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 1.98° F (#7 slowest-warming state)

Fort Smith residents are experiencing the effects of a warming climate via flooding. In May 2019, the Arkansas River broke records, rising to its highest level ever observed. Although scientists cannot directly credit climate change with any single storm, the warming atmosphere is able to hold more water vapor, which will make heavy precipitation events more common.

Fort Smith does not appear to have any plans to assess its vulnerability to the effects of a warming climate or adaption strategies.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.01° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.32° F (#2 fastest-warming state)

Like the rest of the top 10 cities, Las Cruces has warmed by over 4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. In addition to rising temperatures and more heat-wave days, Las Cruces will likely experience more consecutive hot and dry days and fewer cold nights as the climate changes. Las Cruces is not without resources. New Mexico State University in Las Cruces is a U.S. Department of Agriculture hub formed to help farmers adapt to climate changes. The city has also agreed to meet the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.03° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

McAllen takes the second spot for fastest-warming city in Texas. By 2050, McAllen will be unlivable for some residents; about 179 days a year will reach dangerous temperatures, with a heat index of over 105 degrees. McAllen sits in the Rio Grande Valley, an already hot region that is getting drier and hotter. As this trend continues, the Rio Grande will continue to shrink, worsening drought risk. City officials, however, don't talk about climate change much and McAllen does not appear to have a plan for addressing the issue.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.06° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.45° F (#25 fastest-warming state)

In Erie, people are noticing more frequent and heavier rainfall, which, coupled with increasingly warm summers, have accommodated disease-carrying insects. The past few summers have brought an above-average number of Lyme disease cases, and mosquitoes have been hanging around longer. To reduce emissions and keep warming to a minimum, Erie is committed to upholding the Paris Agreement.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.11° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.48° F (#24 fastest-warming state)

Located in central Montana, Helena has already warmed over 4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. Climate trends show increasing temperatures across central Montana since 1950. According to the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, if emissions continue as usual, Helena and the rest of the state could see average daily maximum temperatures increase by 10 degrees.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.11° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.17° F (#18 slowest-warming state)

By 2080, Chattanooga will feel more like southern Alabama, according to a study published in Nature Communications in February 2019, with winters about 11.2 degrees warmer, on average, and much wetter. To keep Chattanooga's future climate possibilities a bit further north, the city's mayor has signed on to the Compact of Mayors.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.13° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.85° F (#8 fastest-warming state)

By 2050, Burlington will experience about 50 heat wave days per year, compared to around 10 on average now. Although this initial warming has been positive for the growing season, it could mean that in a few decades, farmers will need to change the crops they rely on and fight more crop-infecting diseases. Warming may harm the ski industry as well, with a shift from snowy to rainy winters in a few decades.

The city has made some progress on its climate action plan, developing citywide bike and pedestrian paths; installing new charging stations to encourage use of electric cars; installing meters to help building owners monitor energy use and efficiency; setting guidelines to reduce energy use in new constructions; and developing a commuting program for city staff that promotes emission-free or less impactful commutes. Burlington also has pledged to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.35° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.23° F (#3 fastest-warming state)

Residents feel the warming of their desert city most keenly at night— on average, nighttime temperatures have risen by about 8 degrees. The urban heat island effect helps bring about such increases. Phoenix already has a hot, dry climate, and it will likely see 147 dangerous heat days a year by 2050. By that time, 20% of Phoenix's population will be older than 65 and especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Phoenix has been working to meet climate change-related goals over the past decade. In 2015, the city met its goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 2005 levels in city operations. Phoenix is also one of the 407 U.S. cities committed to meeting Paris Agreement goals. The city has been increasing tree canopy cover, working toward 25% tree canopy cover for the city by 2030. To address the urban heat island effect, Phoenix has also replaced 52,000 square feet of public building roofing with "cool roofs" that reflect instead of absorb heat.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.48° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 3.23° F (#3 fastest-warming state)

Since the first Earth Day, Tucson's annual average temperature has warmed by 4.48 degrees. Several factors help make Tucson one of the fastest-warming U.S. cities. For one, it sits in the middle of a mountain basin that concentrates heat. As another city filled with impervious surfaces in an already warm region, Tucson also suffers from the urban heat island effect. Like Phoenix, Tucson is working to minimize this effect. The city government encourages planting shade trees, installation of shade structures, and using of building materials that don’t retain heat the way concrete does.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 4.74° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.77° F (#14 fastest-warming state)

Over the past 100 years, El Paso has experienced a trend toward more triple-digit temperature days each year. El Paso appears to have taken some steps toward curbing this trend. According to the El Paso Livable Sustainability Plan, the city has encouraged community interests in urban farming, which it hopes could help mitigate the city's heat island effect. El Paso also has plans to make changes in future infrastructure projects to minimize heat island effects. Despite being the second-fastest warming city, El Paso does not appear to have any greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

- Temperature change 1970-2018: 5.76° F
- Average temperature change in the state: 2.76° F (#15 fastest-warming state)

Not only is Las Vegas the fastest-warming U.S. city, but it also has the most intense urban heat island effect. On average, summer days in Las Vegas are 7.3 degrees hotter than rural areas, but up to 24 degrees, and Las Vegas has 22 more days each year, on average, above 90 degrees compared with rural areas. The Desert Research Institute published a study earlier this year in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology showing an association between the increase in number and severity of heat waves between 2007 and 2016 and an increase in the number of heat-related deaths during the same period.

The heat in Las Vegas has already reached unbearable levels for some. To try and slow the heating trend, the city government in 2016 switched to renewable energy for all government buildings. The large resorts are also trying to use more renewable electricity: MGM has installed solar panels on top of Mandalay Bay Convention Center and other properties are powered by the Mojave Desert solar array.

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