Extreme Cold Disrupts Lives Across North America

New AP-NORC poll shows millions impacted by frigid winter weather in 2026

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A new AP-NORC poll found that millions of Americans were impacted by the bitterly cold temperatures that swept across North America in early 2026. The survey showed that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults say they've been personally affected by severe cold weather or severe winter storms in the past five years, up from around half in a 2025 poll. The findings point to the growing prevalence of extreme cold weather experiences, with many saying the frigid conditions felt like winters from decades ago.

Why it matters

As the climate continues to change, extreme weather events like prolonged cold spells are becoming more disruptive to people's daily lives. The poll results highlight how these weather patterns are impacting Americans' electricity bills, work and school schedules, and travel plans, with the effects felt more intensely in certain regions of the country.

The details

The survey found that in the past year, about 7 in 10 Americans say their electricity or gas bills have been higher than usual due to winter storms or extreme cold. Around 4 in 10 have experienced work or school cancellations, one-third have had power outages, and about 3 in 10 have had travel disruptions. The effects were felt most acutely in the Midwest, South, and Northeast, compared to the West.

  • The poll was conducted from February 5-8, 2026.
  • The extreme cold weather impacted North America in January and February 2026.

The players

Chris Ferro

A 58-year-old property owner from Brooklyn, New York who experienced pipes freezing for the first time in 15 years due to the abnormally cold temperatures.

Annie Braswell

A 66-year-old resident of Greenville, North Carolina who said the January and February weather felt like it "hadn't been that cold in 40 years" and her utility bill doubled compared to normal.

Joseph Bird

A 21-year-old college student in Provo, Utah who identifies as an independent and believes climate change is a natural phenomenon that has been "sped up" by human activities.

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What they’re saying

“Pipe that never froze on me for 15 years froze,”

— Chris Ferro (wbal.com)

“I just take life one day at a time, and I realize these are things that I can't change,”

— Annie Braswell (wbal.com)

“I think climate change is a natural thing that happens … to some extent it's sped up by some things,”

— Joseph Bird, college student (wbal.com)

The takeaway

As extreme weather events like prolonged cold snaps become more common due to climate change, the poll results underscore the growing disruption to Americans' daily lives and the need for communities to prepare for and adapt to these new climate realities.