More say they've experienced extreme cold, AP-NORC poll finds
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Millions in North America experienced unusually bitterly cold temperatures to start 2026, with many reporting cold spells not seen in years, impacting daily life and property maintenance.
- A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 60% of U.S. adults have been personally affected by severe cold weather or winter storms in the past five years, an increase from 50% in 2025, highlighting growing exposure or sensitivity to cold extremes.
- The cold weather has led to higher utility bills for roughly 70% of Americans, work or school cancellations for 40%, power outages for one-third, and travel disruptions for 30%, demonstrating widespread disruptions across the country.
- While scientific research shows that extreme cold winters are less frequent due to
