So, I have to admit something… summer isn’t really my favorite season.
I mean, sure, the beach, ice cream, and all those fun activities feel great when the sun’s shining. But honestly, I stand by my belief that summer is, well, the worst season—and it seems to be getting worse.
Before anyone gets upset, just know that I’m not alone here. There’s actual science that backs me up. Here are five research-supported reasons why summer isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
1. Bugs, of course
Let’s be real—mosquitoes and ticks? The worst. When it gets warm and these pesky creatures start appearing, it’s more than just annoying; it’s a serious health concern.
Insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and dengue fever increase during the summer months because warmer weather boosts their reproduction and activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 476,000 people in the U.S. get diagnosed with Lyme disease annually, with most cases popping up in late spring and summer.
As climate change leads to hotter, longer, and possibly wetter summers, these diseases are on the rise. The West Nile virus, first detected in the U.S. in 1999, has quickly become the most prevalent mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands yearly. In fact, cases of Lyme disease and other similar illnesses have more than doubled across the U.S. in the last twenty years.
2. Extreme weather events
Heatwaves, severe storms, floods, and other extreme weather conditions tend to peak in summer. The U.S. sees most billion-dollar disasters between April and August. It’s quite complicated, but largely due to a warming atmosphere that retains more energy and moisture, resulting in stronger storms and higher heat stress.
Summer heatwaves have become especially menacing, and they’re growing in frequency and intensity. The extreme combination of heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related threats in the country, potentially worsening existing health issues and causing heat exhaustion. Additionally, rising temperatures speed up evaporation, resulting in drought and increased fire risks. Smoke from wildfires can also significantly impact air quality, affecting public health.
Adding to the situation, tropical cyclone activity increases in summer due to warmer ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. This not only leads to severe thunderstorms but also contributes to tornadoes, especially in central U.S. regions.
3. Soaring utility costs
As summer heat hits, utility bills rise sharply. Most U.S. households use more electricity from July to August, when temperatures peak. Around 90% of homes in the U.S. rely on air conditioning.
Due to climate change, air conditioning struggles more against the heat, and you’re left to foot the bill. With rising global temperatures, people tend to run their AC more frequently and for longer stretches. The International Energy Agency projects a threefold increase in energy demand for air conditioning by 2050, which is like adding 10 new units every second over the next thirty years.
4. Harmful UV rays
Who enjoys putting on greasy sunscreen every time they step outside? Not me! I know it’s recommended to wear sunscreen year-round, but the chances of UV exposure rise significantly in summer, and it seems to be getting worse.
Malignant skin melanoma—arguably the most severe skin cancer—has increased over the past fifty years, with over 325,000 cases reported globally in 2020. This surge has been associated with alterations in UV radiation linked to atmospheric changes.
5. Rising violence
There’s growing evidence that violence, including mass shootings, tends to spike during summer months, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—which records incidents of mass shootings with four or more victims—indicates that the highest numbers have occurred in June, July, and August over the last ten years, while winter months reported the fewest.
Globally, rising temperatures have been associated with an increase in various violent behaviors, including assaults and firearm-related violence. This implies that as summer heat intensifies, such incidents may become more frequent.
Why the warm months tend to see more violence? Well, for one, people often congregate at parties and events where conflicts can arise more easily. University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero pointed out that heat can escalate emotions, intensifying stress and irritability levels. Studies have shown this connection.
