Wisconsin experienced its warmest winter in 123 years, which had a severe impact on the state's economy, particularly the outdoor recreation industry. The lack of snow and snow-based activities caused local businesses in the seven-county region to lose approximately $6.5 million in revenue [31162776]. In response to this economic setback, Governor Tony Evers and Senator Tammy Baldwin sought disaster relief from the United States Small Business Administration. The Office of Governor Tony Evers reported a 6.8% growth in the outdoor recreation industry since 2021, highlighting the importance of this sector to the state's economy. Despite the challenges faced during the winter, Wisconsin is hoping for a tourism boom in the summer to make up for the lost revenue. This optimism is fueled by the fact that 82% of Americans plan to travel this year, indicating a potential increase in visitors to the state. The outdoor recreation industry in Wisconsin contributed $9.8 billion to the state's economy in 2022, underscoring its significance as a revenue generator. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping are expected to be popular activities that draw visitors to the state in the warmer months [31162776].
Meanwhile, in Arizona's Valley, extreme heat has a significant impact on the local economy. The retail, hospitality, and food service industries in the Valley experience a drop in sales during the summer months due to the extreme heat. Snowbirds leaving, ASU students going home, and locals staying indoors contribute to the slowdown in business. However, ice cream shops see an increase in customers as people seek relief from the heat. The rise in population in the Phoenix metro area helps combat the slow season for businesses. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry data shows that heat doesn't scare people away, as there was an increase in visitors and revenue during a record heat summer. In fact, the WNBA has chosen Phoenix for the All-Star game in July, indicating the city's appeal as a destination despite the extreme heat. Tourism offices in other parts of the state are offering discounts to encourage locals to explore, and businesses like AZ Wilderness are implementing loyalty programs to attract customers [1179cbd3].
In Maryland, during a dangerous heat wave, the Wheaton Ice Arena has become a refuge for people seeking relief from the extreme heat. Families, like the Cole family, who had never visited the ice rink before, turned to ice skating as a way to stay cool. For other skaters, the ice rink has been a go-to place to escape the heat for years. However, the cool atmosphere becomes difficult to maintain as temperatures rise, putting a higher strain on the system and significantly raising the ice temperature. The compressors responsible for keeping the ice cold broke down last week but are now up and running. Indoor rinks such as Wheaton Ice Arena feel the same regardless of whether it's snowing outside or approaching 100 degrees [0e75b31e].