Palm Springs announces speaker lineup for inaugural extreme heat summit

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — (KESQ) The City of Palm Springs has announced the speaker lineup for its inaugural Extreme Heat Summit 2026, bringing together experts to discuss how communities can prepare for rising temperatures.

The full-day summit is scheduled for Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event, organized by the city's Department of Sustainability in partnership with the Office of Emergency Management, will focus on practical strategies for building resilience to extreme heat.

The summit, titled “Heat as Infrastructure: Designing Systems, Cities, and Services for Resilience,” will feature specialists in climate resilience, public health, emergency management and urban planning. Discussions will examine ways communities can adapt to extreme temperatures, including cooling infrastructure, emergency response and protecting vulnerable populations.

Palm Springs Sustainability Director Jasmine Fields says climate projections point to a hotter future for the Coachella Valley, making adaptation an important part of the city's long-term planning.

“Climate projections do indicate that the Valley will become hotter. I am concerned about it, so that's why we are also incorporating adaptation and resiliency strategies in our climate action efforts.”

The summit comes as the Coachella Valley continues to experience periods of dangerous summer heat. Recent temperatures have climbed into the 110s, with extreme heat warnings issued across the region.

City officials say the summit is intended for both professionals and community members interested in learning more about preparing for extreme heat and creating safer, more resilient communities. Registration for the event is currently open.

The city is also recruiting volunteers to help support the event.

For registration, volunteer information and the complete speaker lineup, click here.