Extreme Heat Hammers This Industry

Temperatures above 100 degrees spread across the country from Las Vegas and Phoenix to Washington and New York City. At that level, it is dangerous for most people to be outside for long, particularly in the direct sun. Reuters looked at the industries that lost the most business or productivity during extremely high heat periods. Construction was at the top of the list.

Does 125 Degrees Kill People?

Reuters reports that “Work slows at construction projects. What usually takes two days can take three or four as builders take breaks, estimates Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth. Changes could include shifting the workday earlier.”

Not much has been done about extreme heat’s direct, daily effects on local economies. This is a surprise since the effects have to be profound in areas like India’s largest cities, where millions of people are cripple by high heat–particularly those who do not have access to air conditioning. Virtually none of the day laborers have any means to cool themselves.

Phoenix 110 Degrees

The problem has started to be apparent in the US. Last year, it was over 110 degrees F for 54 days in Phoenix. Asphalt temperature was closer to 180 degrees in some areas, which may make day labor impossible.

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