Kentucky part of ‘extreme heat belt’ growing in the middle of U.S.

Parts of Kentucky are likely to face days when the heat index reaches 125 degrees or more over the next three decades.

A new study from the climate nonprofit research group First Street Foundation finds that Kentucky is likely to become part of an “extreme heat belt” concentrated in the middle of the country.

The report highlights how different regions are expected to be impacted by extreme heat: from rising CO2 emissions related to air-conditioning use, to the states that will face the most consecutive days of extreme heat.

“The increase in extreme heat conditions are a cause for concern, impacting everything from personal health to electricity costs associated with increased air conditioning usage, to physical infrastructure, and even public transport,” the report states.

Researchers say the extreme heat belt stretches from the northern border of Texas through Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and up into Wisconsin. Much of the region is far from coastal breezes, in areas where humidity will bolster high temperatures to make the heat feel even more oppressive.