Extreme Temperatures Escalate Holiday Challenges
A severe heatwave has gripped the eastern United States over the July Fourth weekend. Census Bureau estimates reveal stark differences in air-conditioning access across regions. Millions endure well-above-average temperatures under an expansive heat dome. Numerous states issued extreme heat warnings, signaling potentially hazardous conditions through the holiday.
Alaska and Hawaii Lead in Lack of Air Conditioning
Alaska stands out with an estimated 93 percent of homes lacking air conditioning, as per recent data. Nearly half of Hawaiian households reported no air conditioning access. In the Northwest and Northeast, the absence of air conditioners is also notable. Over 25 percent of homes in Vermont and Montana lack air conditioning, while the figure exceeds a third in Washington.
Southern states boast widespread air conditioning access. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana report less than one percent of households without air conditioning, showcasing a stark contrast.
The Census Bureau utilizes experimental data to produce these estimates. They employ a cross-survey modeling technique that integrates data from the American Housing Survey to bolster machine learning models. These models estimate responses to air conditioning access based on American Community Survey (ACS) data.
National Air Conditioning Utilization
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that nearly 90 percent of American households employed air conditioning in 2020. The EIA notes that two-thirds of U.S. households relied on central AC or central heat pumps as their primary cooling equipment.
The Midwest and South Census regions rank highest for air conditioning usage, with 92 and 93 percent of households equipped. Contrarily, the West Census Region reports the lowest share at 73 percent. The marine climate along the Pacific Coast shows residential air-conditioning usage at 49 percent.
EIA data also indicates that, while central air-conditioning predominates nationwide, half of Northeast households primarily rely on individual units. These include window units, wall units, mini-splits, and portable air conditioners.
Heatwave Persists Over Eastern USA
A substantial heat dome envelops the eastern United States during a major holiday weekend, setting new temperature records. By Saturday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme heat warnings for regions spanning New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
AccuWeather forecasters reported that hundreds of millions cope with oppressive temperatures ranging 10 to 20 degrees above average. For the national celebration, AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski alerts of dangerous and possibly historic heat in Washington, D.C.
He advises individuals planning outdoor activities to drink plenty of water, seek shade or air conditioning, and recognize heat-related illness symptoms. People should prepare to find safe shelter from potential storms.
Leave a Reply