Summer 2023 has unleashed an unforgiving heatwave across the United States, but the story of this steamy season isn’t just the soaring temperatures—it’s the suffocating humidity taking it to a whole new level. According to NBC News, more than a dozen states experienced record-high humidity in July, turning daily life into a sweaty struggle.

Record-Breaking Humidity Levels

From the vibrant streets of New York City to the lush landscapes of Kentucky, July’s humidity records wrote a new chapter in the history books. Whether you’re in the bustling Midwest, the storied East Coast, or the picturesque mid-Atlantic, the overwhelming mugginess was inescapable. Teams at Iowa Environmental Mesonet registered cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., hitting their most humid July on record. Meanwhile, states like Florida endured oppressive conditions, with the heat index often climbing into the triple digits.

The Climbing Threat of Climate Change

The National Weather Service alerts us to the grim reality: the extreme humidity streaks may be a preview of summer’s future as climate change accelerates its stride. The discomfort is only part of the picture. Drifting on this hot wave, the atmosphere, heavy with moisture, creates a playground for stronger storms, raising the stakes for communities everywhere.

Health Risks on the Rise

The combination of high heat and suffocating humidity is no laughing matter, intensifying health risks, particularly for the vulnerable—children, seniors, and those with health conditions. This mix increases the likelihood of heat illnesses and even fatalities. A Climate Central study underlines this troubling trend, noting that our bodies struggle to cool using sweat effectively under such harsh conditions.

Storms and Flooding: Humidity’s Twin Menace

While the sticky air feels seemingly immovable, it doesn’t linger without consequence. This year’s record-setting 3,000 flash flood warnings by the National Weather Service remind us of the flip side of soggy heat—a boost in destructive storms and flooding. July brought a sobering reminder as central Texas and New Mexico faced devastation from flash floods—a stark warning of what might become more common.

The Need for Preparedness and Resilience

As July’s humidity levels soar beyond expectation, it’s a wake-up call for communities to better prepare for new weather patterns. Creating plans to handle heat and storm outcomes will ensure that cities won’t just weather the storms of tomorrow but come through stronger, ready to face the next heatwave, with unexpected grace and resilience.