By Mark Torregrossa
Most of the U.S. is in a trend of warmer weather over the past 40 years. This study shows how many more days per year cities are experiencing. ClimateCentral found that some Michigan cities have more extreme heat days per year now compared to 1979, while a few Michigan cities are actually going the other way.
What is an extreme heat day
ClimateCentral defines an extreme heat day for this study as a day with a heat index of 90 degrees or hotter. The heat index uses the temperature and the dew point temperature to attempt to make a feels-like temperature. The higher the humidity is, the farther above the actual temperature will be the heat index.
Detroit gained the most extreme heat days
Detroit now has around 21 days each year with a heat index of 90 degrees or higher. This amount is seven days higher than in 1979.
Flint is getting much warmer
Flint has gained five extreme heat days over the past 40 years.
Grand Rapids extreme heat trend
Grand Rapids has gained three extreme heat days since 1979.
Lansing's increased heat days
According to the study, Lansing has gained two more extreme heat days over the past four decades.
Saginaw's trend is flat
Saginaw's trend doesn't show a trend. Saginaw has about the same number of extreme heat days now as back in 1979.
Alpena extreme heat trend
Alpena is in another area that doesn't have a trend for more extreme heat. In fact there is fractionally less extreme heat days now versus 1979.
Marquette's extreme heat trend
Marquette also is just slightly cooler on the extreme heat days.
A look at the bigger picture
Across the U.S., the southeast has gained the most extreme heat days. The Upper Midwest has gained the least or even has a decreased number of hot and humid days.
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