People in Miami, FL are especially likely to experience increased risks from heat, flood, and precipitation.

Floods, storms, and extreme heat hitting Miami, Florida in recent years have caused severe threats to the people and infrastructure of the city, especially in the densely developed areas of downtown and Miami beach. Due to the dangers of climate change, Miami is rated by some as the most vulnerable coastal city in America for natural disasters.

Miami’s famous beachfront has been subject to severe hurricane damage and recurring flooding at high tides due to rising sea levels. This has allowed saltwater to intrude into the drinking water and has compromised waste treatment plants in the area. One plan for combatting flood damage in Miami proposes elevating buildings and roads and another recommends installing a 20-foot sea wall. Many experts are skeptical that these projects will be effective enough to protect large scale property damage in coming years. This threat has caused property values to drop in many low-lying coastal areas while real estate investors look inland for future development.

Hot summer temperatures can make summer living conditions in Miami uncomfortable and expensive. Miami Dade county recently elected the first chief heat officer in the world. Since 1970, the county has had an increase of above 90 degree days from 84 to 133 a year. Combined with the threat of rising humidity, heat risk poses a severe problem, especially to vulnerable communities.

In a typical year around 1990, people in Miami, FL experienced about 7 days above 92.6ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Miami are projected to experience an average of about 89 days per year over 92.6ºF.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in places with cooler average temperatures. See more information on heat risk. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.

Of 302 census tracts in Miami, FL, there are 288 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from storm surge, high tide flooding, surface (pluvial) flooding, and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.

Climate change is increasing inland and coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise and increasing chances of extreme precipitation. See more information on flooding risk.

A downpour for Miami, FL is a two-day rainfall total over 1.1 inches. Around 1990, about 40.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 40.0%. The annual precipitation in Miami, FL is projected to decrease from about 56.5" to about 54.8".

Extreme precipitation in any form can pose significant risks. Climate change is increasing the potential for extreme rainfall or snowfall because warmer air can hold more water vapor. See more information on storm risk. Property owners can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme precipitation.

The Florida Southeast Coast watershed, which contains Miami, FL, has experienced 581 weeks (48% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 82 weeks (7% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought. Water stress (the ratio of water demand to supply) depends on how water utilities source water and their plans to adapt to climate change. Property owners can also take steps to reduce their risks from drought.

Of 302 census tracts in Miami, FL, there are 100 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 59 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.

Fire risk depends on proximity to vegation: densely developed urban areas have a much lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland. Climate change increases risks from wildfire by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U.S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.