Palm Springs will host its first Extreme Heat Summit on September 18, bringing together health experts, city planners, government officials and community advocates to discuss extreme heat in the Coachella Valley.
The summit will examine ways communities can prepare for extreme heat, including designing cooler cities, protecting vulnerable residents and preparing for periods when high temperatures place additional strain on community systems.
Palm Springs experienced several record-breaking periods of extreme heat, including a 22-day stretch with temperatures above 110 degrees in 2024.
The summit is expected to bring together representatives from different communities and experts to discuss approaches to extreme heat and potential strategies for the Coachella Valley.
Contributors Brad Ward of Brad Ward Coaching and attorney Brian Harnick of Roemer Harnick discussed heat preparedness during the Roggin Report.
Harnick pointed to improvements in technology, weather forecasting and communication systems that can be used to provide residents and visitors with heat warnings.
The discussion also included measures involving new development, including canopy trees and roofing materials designed to help reduce heat. Other topics included rooftop solar, replacing aging heating and cooling equipment, drought-tolerant landscaping, increasing shade around homes and dual-pane windows.
The September 18 summit will focus on bringing communities and experts together to discuss extreme heat and potential ways to prepare for high temperatures across the Coachella Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
August 24, 2026
