A growing number of Americans say extreme weather is affecting their lives, especially in the western United States, according to new Gallup polling.
Western Region Sees Sharp Increase
Gallup’s March survey shows 43% of Western residents experienced extreme weather in the past two years. That’s up from 30% in 2023. Wildfires and heat waves drove the increase.
Seventeen percent of people in the West say wildfires impacted them — more than triple the 5% recorded a year ago. Another 11% report suffering through extreme heat, compared to 5% two years earlier. Others in the region say they faced floods (6%) or drought (4%).
Hurricanes Lead in the South
Southern residents continue to experience the most extreme weather overall. Twenty-eight percent say they’ve been through a hurricane in the past two years, a jump from 18% in 2023. Tornadoes affected 9%, while 7% dealt with extreme cold.
In the Midwest, tornadoes and cold were most common. Ten percent say they faced tornadoes, and 6% reported extreme cold.
In the East, people were least likely to experience extreme weather. Just 21% say they were affected, down from 30% in 2023. Floods (6%) and hurricanes (5%) were the most reported events there.
Hurricanes Top the National List
Nationwide, hurricanes are the most frequently reported extreme weather event. Twelve percent of Americans say they’ve experienced one recently. That figure is twice as high as reports of tornadoes (6%) or extreme heat (6%).
Fewer Americans say they’ve experienced wildfires (4%), extreme cold (4%), or floods (4%). Reports of blizzards, ice storms, and snow events declined from previous years.
Disruptions Last Beyond a Week for Some
One in four people affected by extreme weather say the event disrupted their lives for more than a week. That’s equal to 9% of all U.S. adults.
More than half — 55% — say they faced moderate disruptions lasting up to a week. Another 20% say the event had little impact on their daily lives.
Loss of power, heat, or water was the most common problem. Over 70% of those affected say they lost access to essential utilities, either for a day or longer.
Other disruptions included damage to homes or vehicles (19%), sheltering in place (17%), or relocating locally (14%).
More severe outcomes included filing insurance claims (12%), evacuating their local area (6%), or needing government assistance (5%). Three percent say their home, car, or property was damaged beyond repair.
Experience Boosts Climate Change Concern
People who have lived through extreme weather are more likely to express concern about climate change. According to Gallup, 51% of these individuals say they worry “a great deal” about the issue. Among those who haven’t had a recent extreme weather experience, only 34% say the same.
The difference appears across political lines. Democrats show more concern overall, but Republicans who’ve experienced extreme weather report a higher level of worry than those who haven’t.
Over the past decade, an average of 41% of Americans have expressed strong concern about climate change — up from 32% in the previous 25 years.
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