Dogs not the only ones in America feeling the heat lately
The dog days of summer have arrived for many parts of the U.S.
The record-breaking heat that has gripped several U.S. cities and towns in the southeastern United States is causing significantly more energy usage in many areas, too.
Estimated costs for cooling from March 1 through June 26 compared to the same period last cooling season is substantially higher in several U.S. cities, according to an AccuWeather analysis.
The Southeast especially has seen enhanced cooling costs compared to 2018. Miami, Fla., is currently on pace for its third-warmest June ever (with an average daily temperature of 85 degrees F) after experiencing its second-warmest May ever (82.2 degrees F), according to AccuWeather records. The 98-degree high on Monday tied an all-time June record for the city, and the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature topped out at 110.
Among the cities in which estimated cooling costs increased the most compared to last year were Gainesville, Fla. (30.4%), Miami (19.5%), Key West, Fla. (19.2%), Atlanta, Ga. (9.4%), and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (9.2%).
Atlanta, Gainesville and Key West, in particular, are experiencing cooling seasons unlike anything they have had in almost 30 years, according to AccuWeather records.
Some cities have missed out on the heat so far. Estimated costs for cooling over the same time period are way down in Chicago (68.8% lower), New York City (34.1%) and Boston (24.8%).
It’s still early in the cooling season, which can last until late in the year in many U.S. cities. The costs of cooling, including electricity, vary from year to year and from place to place, so the percentage increase in your bill may vary from these percentages.
The warm temperatures will continue as much of the United States can expect hot and summery conditions this weekend, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. Most of the Central states, the valleys and basins of the interior West, Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions will experience high temperatures of 85 degrees F or greater.
AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will reach or exceed 100 degrees F over much of the South, Mississippi Valley and lower Plains, as well as the deserts of the Southwest.
