Classic rocker Steve Miller has made the tough decision to cancel his U.S. tour due to dangerous weather conditions. In a statement shared on social media, Miller, 81, highlighted extreme heat, unpredictable flooding, and the threat of tornadoes and hurricanes as risks to his band, crew, and fans.
The tour was supposed to start in August and wrap up in early November, covering about 34 cities, including New York, Tennessee, Florida, and California. Miller emphasized that the safety of everyone involved was his top priority.
This decision comes amid a series of severe weather events across the U.S. Recently, a heat wave affected the eastern states, and Texas faced deadly flash floods. Scientists are pointing to climate change as a major factor, which is resulting in more intense rainfall and higher summer temperatures. The warmer atmosphere retains more moisture, leading to storms that unleash heavier rain than before.
Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said, “Everyone wants to see their favorite artists, but we need to consider weather safety.” He noted that sometimes events might need to start late to ensure safety from thunderstorms.
Music festivals have also been impacted by extreme weather. This June, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee faced cancellation due to heavy rain. At a recent festival in Kentucky, hundreds suffered heat-related illnesses. In 2023, at Burning Man, attendees got stranded when rain turned the desert into mud.
Research backs up these trends. A study from 2020 indicated that climate change will likely cause more heat stress during events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that tropical storms will add to the weather chaos, particularly from August to October.
Overall, Miller’s cancellation is part of a larger pattern. As severe weather becomes increasingly common, both artists and fans may need to adapt to ensure safety at outdoor events.
For more on climate change and its impact on events, you can check the report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration here.
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