Climate change is making the world hotter and contributing to rising sea levels, primarily due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Beyond the tropical countries that already experience heat waves and peak hot summers, it looks like the 2025 heat waves will not spare the U.S. states. In fact, climate experts even reveal that this summer could rival some of the previous summers.
To help you prepare for the wrath of the sun and heat, we will highlight the 10 states that are likely to be more vulnerable to heat waves in the U.S. in 2025.
1. California
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Central Valley: 100°F – 107°F
- Death Valley: Up to 118°F
- Coastal Areas: 85°F – 95°F
If the raging wildfire last year was anything to go by, it seems like a warning of what 2025 and the years in the future hold. The risks of heatwaves will reportedly be immense in California this year, owing to the state’s topography, ranging from coastal areas to inland valleys and deserts. This, in turn, will contribute to the varying temperature extremes. Some regions, like the Central Valley and Redding and Red Bluff, are already experiencing temperatures nearing or exceeding 100°F, with some locations approaching 107°F. Not just for the environment, these temperatures and heat waves also pose many risks to people’s health.
2. Texas
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Southern Texas: 100°F – 105°F
- Houston: High 90s°F to 100°F
- Rio Grande Valley: Up to 109°F
If there’s one U.S. state that experiences peak heat during the summer months, it’s Texas. The state is no stranger to grappling heat, particularly in the southern regions. In fact, cities like Houston have recorded temperatures reaching up to 109°F, with multiple days exceeding 100°F. Not just that, the coastal areas along the state also experience high humidity, while the inland regions have dry and scorching heat during the peak summers. Furthermore, the heatwaves take a toll on people’s health and the power grid, leading to potential blackouts.
Learn which areas face the most extreme temperatures with this list of the hottest cities in Texas, where summer heat reaches record highs.
3. Arizona
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Phoenix: 110°F – 115°F
- Southern Arizona: 105°F – 110°F
- Northern Arizona: 95°F – 100°F
Another state in the U.S. that experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer months is Arizona, particularly cities like Phoenix. Phoenix has experienced consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 110°F, approaching its record of 18 straight days set in 1974. The main reason behind the heatwaves and hot summers is the desert climate combined with urban heat islands. From people’s health taking a hit to power lines and infrastructure experiencing the brunt of the situation, the summer months are best spent indoors.
4. Nevada
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Las Vegas: 110°F – 117°F
- Southern Nevada: 105°F – 110°F
- Northern Nevada: 95°F – 100°F
Nevada is yet another state in the U.S. projected to experience the brunt of the heat waves in 2025. Las Vegas, one of the most popular cities in the U.S, renowned for attracting millions of tourists, is projected to reach highs of 117°F – an all-time high this year. The state’s arid climate contributes to rapid heating during the day and limited cooling at night. Not just that, the urban areas in the city, especially areas with concrete and asphalt, further exacerbate the heat, worsening people’s health and impacting the state’s power supply too.
5. Florida
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Miami: Mid-90s°F
- Central Florida: 95°F – 100°F
- Northern Florida: 90°F – 95°F
Florida has a subtropical climate with constant sunshine, especially because of its numerous beaches. That said, the state is bound to experience an upcoming heatwave that will lead to high temperatures and humidity levels. Miami, a popular tourist spot in the state, has experienced temperatures reaching the mid-90s°F, with high humidity making conditions feel even hotter. Beyond heatwaves, Florida also faces the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes during the summer months, further worsening the situation.
6. Louisiana
Expected Average Temperatures:
- New Orleans: 90°F – 95°F
- Baton Rouge: 92°F – 97°F
- Shreveport: 95°F – 100°F
Although not as bad as the remainder of the states, the heatwaves in 2025 won’t spare Louisiana, especially in cities like New Orleans, where the temperature is already touching 95°F. The high humidity exacerbates the heat, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature. Also, Louisiana’s low-lying geography makes the state susceptible to flooding, with Hurricane Katrina being one prime example. The authorities often recommend that the residents stay indoors, especially during peak summer days or storm warnings.
7. Oklahoma
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Oklahoma City: 95°F – 100°F
- Tulsa: 93°F – 98°F
- Lawton: 97°F – 102°F
Oklahoma is facing a summer of extreme heat, with cities like Oklahoma City experiencing temperatures in the mid-90s°F. Since the state is centrally located in the U.S., it makes it more susceptible to heat waves, especially during the summer months. The combination of the heatwave and high humidity often exacerbates the situation, increasing risks of heat-related health concerns in people. Not just people, the heatwave also impacts the state’s agricultural sector, with crops and livestock under stress.
8. New Mexico
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Albuquerque: 90°F – 95°F
- Santa Fe: 85°F – 90°F
- Las Cruces: 95°F – 100°F
New Mexico is next on the list of the top states with heatwave risks in the U.S. Cities like Albuquerque often reach the mid-90s°F, leaving people drained after spending a day out under the sun. Since the state has a desert climate, it contributes to significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, but the daytime heat poses challenges for residents and infrastructure. The heatwaves will also significantly increase the risks of wildfires, especially in the forested areas, and even impact the water resources in the state.
9. Georgia
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Atlanta: 90°F – 95°F
- Savannah: 92°F – 97°F
- Macon: 93°F – 98°F
Like the previous states, Georgia is at risk of experiencing extensive heat waves in 2025, with cities like Atlanta reaching up to 90°F. Due to the surrounding coastal stretch, the state’s heatwaves will also be accompanied by high humidity, leaving more moisture in the air, making the situation even more uncomfortable and stifling. The heat island effect will have a greater impact on the urban areas in the state. Furthermore, the heatwaves will also negatively impact the state’s agricultural sector.
10. Mississippi
Expected Average Temperatures:
- Jackson: 95°F – 100°F
- Gulfport: 90°F – 95°F
- Meridian: 93°F – 98°F
Mississippi faces high temperatures and intense humidity in the summer of 2025, with cities like Jackson registering heat indices well above 100°F. The state is experiencing the worst heat due to its location in the Deep South, which subjects it to prolonged periods of subtropical heat. Furthermore, the stagnant air mass and low wind speed further make the air stifling and uncomfortable. What makes Mississippi particularly vulnerable is the high percentage of rural communities with limited access to modern cooling infrastructure, contributing to many health hazards due to the rising heat in the area.
Final Words
This concludes the list of the top 10 U.S states that are at the crux of experiencing heatwaves in 2025 (and likely in the years to come). With climate change becoming a concern, it isn’t surprising that the world is experiencing the wrath of the adversities that modern urbanization has brought along. If you are living in any of these 10 states in the U.S, ensure that you prioritize self-care and if possible, prevent stepping out of your home during the peak summer days when the heat is high.
