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Summer climate warming faster at night, increasing cooling demand

Overnight low temperatures are warming at a rate twice as fast as daytime high temperatures.

HARTFORD, Conn — Scorching summer sun gets all the attention, and will be this week as we head into another heat wave.

However, the impacts of climate change can more often be felt at night.

Overnight low temperatures are warming at a rate twice as fast as daytime high temperatures.

Part of this is because our summers are becoming more humid. When the air is humid, it is difficult to cool off at night, as opposed to dry air, which cools effectively under a clear sky.

RELATED: Governor Lamont activates extreme hot weather protocol

According to Climate Central, last summer, a record 71% of the contiguous U.S. (by area) was affected by extreme minimum temperatures, compared to 45% exposed to extreme maximum temperatures.

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This warming is being exacerbated in cities – already known as urban heat islands, as the buildings, pavement and dark surfaces absorb the heat of the sun, and radiate it into the surrounding air.

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Even in suburban and rural areas though, the trend is up in overnight low temperatures.

One of the consequences of this warming, is a greater need for air conditioning. Even in cooler parts of Connecticut and New England, it’s getting tougher to get by without the cooling relief.

Climate Central says that nationwide, cooling degree days are up in 95% of the country since 1970.

Ryan Breton is a meteorologist at FOX61 News. He can be reached at rbreton@fox61.com. Follow him on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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