Which states have the highest extreme heat risk?

Arizona currently ranks at the top of this list (Very High). Rankings are statewide averages — a county can sit well above or below that score.

Does homeowners insurance cover extreme heat?

Heat rarely pays a property claim. The practical costs are cooling, medical risk and power-outage food loss — plan for those, not a check from the insurer.

How should I use this ranking?

Find your state, open the state × hazard page, then verify the address on the official maps linked there. This page is a comparison tool, not a determination.

Extreme Heat Risk by US State — Maps, Data & Home Preparedness

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the US, and heat waves are growing longer and hotter.

How to prepare your home

Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles.
Use air conditioning or locate your nearest public cooling center.
Add attic insulation, reflective roofing or shade trees to keep your home cooler.
Check on elderly neighbors and family during heat waves.
Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat.

Official sources

All states ranked by extreme heat risk

Highest exposure first. Click a state for the full extreme heat briefing and source links.

Arizona In Arizona, extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable—it's a top risk to your home and your health. We'll walk… Very High Florida Florida is a 5 out of 5 for extreme heat, and that rating isn't about discomfort — it's about what a long… Very High Louisiana Louisiana's heat is a 5 out of 5 risk for homes, and it's not just about being uncomfortable. From cracked… Very High Nevada Nevada faces a very high risk from extreme heat, rated level 5 of 5. Prolonged periods of triple-digit… Very High Texas Extreme heat is a serious and widespread hazard in Texas, affecting all regions and posing risks to health,… Very High Alabama Alabama faces a Level 4 out of 5 risk for extreme heat, with hot, humid summers that can push the heat index… High Arkansas Arkansas summers are hot and humid, and the state rates a 4 out of 5 for extreme heat risk, with the Delta… High California If you own a home in California, extreme heat is a bigger deal than most people think, especially in the… High Georgia Georgia heat is not a coastal problem or a south Georgia problem — it's a statewide one, and the state's… High Kansas Extreme heat in Kansas is a level 4 out of 5 risk, and it hits hardest in older homes and mobile homes… High Mississippi Extreme heat is a serious and recurring hazard in Mississippi, where Gulf humidity pushes the heat index far… High Missouri Extreme heat is a recurring and serious hazard in Missouri, where high humidity pushes the heat index far… High New Mexico Extreme heat is a serious and recurring hazard in New Mexico, rated level 4 of 5 in the state. Long, intense… High Oklahoma Oklahoma's hot, humid summers and drought-prone western plains make extreme heat one of the state's most… High South Carolina Extreme heat is a serious and recurring hazard across South Carolina, where high humidity pushes the heat… High Colorado Extreme heat in Colorado is a level 3 out of 5 risk for homes. It's not Phoenix, but many houses here weren't… Moderate Delaware Delaware rates a 3 out of 5 for extreme heat risk, which means most summers will test your AC, your attic,… Moderate District of Columbia Extreme heat in the District of Columbia is a level 3 out of 5 risk, which means a week of 95-degree days can… Moderate Idaho Extreme heat in Idaho is not a hurricane, but it can cook your roof, kill your AC, and crack your foundation.… Moderate Illinois Extreme heat in Illinois is a level 3 out of 5 risk, so it's real but not the worst thing you'll face. The… Moderate Indiana Indiana sits at a 3 out of 5 for extreme heat, which means the risk is real but it isn't Phoenix — it's… Moderate Iowa Extreme heat in Iowa is a level 3 out of 5 risk, which means it's real but not as brutal as the Southwest.… Moderate Kentucky Kentucky summers are getting hotter, and the risk to your home is mostly about heat stress on the building… Moderate Maryland Extreme heat is a recurring summer hazard in Maryland, where high humidity can push the heat index above… Moderate Nebraska Extreme heat is a significant hazard in Nebraska, with hot, humid summers and occasional prolonged heat… Moderate New Jersey Extreme heat in New Jersey means humid summer heat waves where the heat index climbs well above the actual… Moderate North Carolina Extreme heat is a recurring summer hazard in North Carolina, especially in the Piedmont, Sandhills, coastal… Moderate South Dakota Extreme heat is a significant hazard in South Dakota, with hot, humid summers in the east and drier heat in… Moderate Tennessee Extreme heat is a recurring summer hazard across Tennessee, where Gulf humidity pushes heat index values well… Moderate Utah Extreme heat is a recurring and underrated hazard in Utah, with the most intense conditions in the low-desert… Moderate Virginia Virginia experiences extreme heat from late spring through early fall, with humid conditions and urban heat… Moderate Connecticut Extreme heat in Connecticut is a level 2 out of 5 risk — lower than the Gulf Coast, but not nothing. The… Low Hawaii Hawaii's extreme heat risk is moderate statewide, but leeward areas like Kona and Waianae get hit harder.… Low Massachusetts Extreme heat in Massachusetts typically arrives as humid, multi-day heat waves with warm nights, with the… Low Michigan Extreme heat in Michigan is a moderate risk, rated 2 out of 5. While not as frequent or intense as in… Low Minnesota Minnesota's extreme heat risk comes as much from humidity as from temperature, with heat index values above… Low Montana Extreme heat in Montana is a moderate risk, rated level 2 out of 5. While the state is known for cold… Low New York Extreme heat in New York means humid, multi-day heat waves that push the heat index well above the air… Low North Dakota Extreme heat in North Dakota is rated Level 2 of 5 — a moderate-low risk, but still real during the short… Low Ohio Extreme heat in Ohio is a humid, often multi-day hazard that peaks in July and August and can push the heat… Low Oregon Oregon has a moderate risk of extreme heat, rated Level 2 of 5. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and… Low Pennsylvania Extreme heat in Pennsylvania is rated a moderate (Level 2 of 5) hazard, driven mainly by humid summer heat… Low Rhode Island Extreme heat in Rhode Island is a real summer hazard, driven by high humidity and the urban heat island… Low Washington Extreme heat is a growing risk in Washington, with eastern areas and urban heat islands most affected. Many… Low West Virginia West Virginia's mountainous terrain moderates heat compared with the Deep South, but humid heat still builds… Low Wisconsin Extreme heat in Wisconsin is rated Level 2 of 5. The state can experience humid summer heat waves, especially… Low Wyoming Wyoming homes face a level 2 extreme heat risk — not the worst in the country, but enough to matter for… Low Alaska Alaska rarely gets the kind of heat that makes national news, but Interior and Southcentral summers can still… Very Low Maine Maine's extreme heat risk is rated 1 out of 5 in FEMA's National Risk Index, reflecting its short, generally… Very Low New Hampshire Extreme heat is a relatively low risk in New Hampshire—rated level 1 of 5—but inland heat waves still… Very Low Vermont Extreme heat in Vermont is a relatively low-frequency hazard — the state is rated 1 out of 5 — but short,… Very Low

Official maps for extreme heat

About these rankings

Which states have the highest extreme heat risk?: Arizona currently ranks at the top of this list (Very High). Rankings are statewide averages — a county can sit well above or below that score.
Does homeowners insurance cover extreme heat?: Heat rarely pays a property claim. The practical costs are cooling, medical risk and power-outage food loss — plan for those, not a check from the insurer.
How should I use this ranking?: Find your state, open the state × hazard page, then verify the address on the official maps linked there. This page is a comparison tool, not a determination.

Last updated: June 12, 2026. Rankings are state-wide estimates based on public hazard data (FEMA, NOAA, USGS) — always verify your specific address with official sources.

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