A Fronteras Desk Series:
July 2012 is the hottest month on record for the contiguous United States. Fronteras Desk will explore the real world impacts of climate change - ranging from rising food prices to the psychological effects. Plus we encourage you to explore this page for more information and interactive features. (Above: A NOAA illustration of the heat wave showing big temperature swings in the Southwest.)
Forecast For Phoenix: Hotter And Hotter
Climate models predict the Phoenix area will only get hotter. What does that mean for the four million residents who must adapt to a new reality?
8/13/12Read more
The Plan For Shade In Phoenix
As you've been hearing in our series "Heat Wave," temperatures in metro Phoenix are expected to increase in the years ahead. And that has city officials taking action.
A Drought So Severe, Even Cacti Can't Survive
The historic nationwide drought has resulted in disaster declarations for more than half the counties in America. In the Southwest, parts of New Mexico and the Texas panhandle are in the worst shape.
8/14/12Read more
The Psychology Of Extreme Weather
Or, "Why yes, it IS hot enough for me!"
Record summer temperatures are punishing much of the U.S., and right now it seems like the weather is all anyone's talking about. We look at this constant topic of conversation -- and how it might actually help us cope.
8/15/12Read more
As Heat Dries Land And Lake, Asthma Fears Rise In Imperial County
Imperial County's water is being sold to thirsty Los Angeles and San Diego, raising fears that fallowed land is worsening an already bad asthma problem there.
8/16/12Read more
Interactive Features
How Dry Is Your Hometown?
This interactive map can tell you how much it's rained near you. NOAA's map (above) shows New Mexico--the dark reds mean very little rainfall. How parched are you?
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Predicting Climate Changes
If current trends remain, some impacts could be: higher sea levels & coastal flooding; more frequent & intense wildfires; & native plant & animal species will be lost forever.
State Of The Climate
The drought gripping the U.S. affects nearly 63% of the contiguous U.S. How hot is it? The average temperature for the lower 48 during July was 77.6°F, 3.3°F above the 20th century average. Click on the map above to see maps and charts detailing the heat wave.
Poll
July 2012 was the hottest on record. What’s causing the heat?
- Man Made Global Warming. 66%
- Nature—Weather is cyclical. 33%
- Another, unknown cause. 0%
(This poll is now closed.)
