Americans see extreme weather worsening

Pew Research Center surveyed 3,524 U.S. adults from March 16 to 22, 2026. Majorities say extreme weather events in the U.S. are happening more often (68%) and are more severe (62%) than in the past. The split is more partisan than regional: Democrats and Democratic leaners register 85% on more frequent and 79% on more severe, while Republicans and GOP leaners register 49% and 44%.

1. Frame 1Pew's survey puts 3,524 U.S. adults into the climate-policy debate: 68% say extreme weather is happening more often.
2. Frame 2Another majority, 62%, says U.S. extreme weather has become more severe than in the past.
3. Frame 3Democrats and Democratic leaners see sharper worsening: 85% more frequent, 79% more severe.
4. Frame 4Republicans and GOP leaners register lower readings: 49% more frequent, 44% more severe.
5. Frame 5The practical test is disaster planning when the same storm map reads differently by party.