temperatures
Nationally, small business employees worked 0.9% fewer hours in the first two weeks of July compared with the last two weeks of June - a standard seasonal change that is typical of summer months - the report said. But slowdowns were up to five-and-a-half times higher in cities that experienced the worst of the heat wave, highlighting the impact of high temperatures on local economies.
By contrast, businesses in cities that experienced shorter heat waves were able to increase hours of operation and the number of employees working: Boston - with just two days in the 90s - saw the largest month-to-month increase in the number of hours worked by employees at 7.8%. Danah Lee saw it firsthand as an employee at Willie's Taco Joint in Phoenix - where earlier in July the National Weather Service recorded the longest consecutive streak of temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in history. Lee said there has been a significant decrease in foot traffic and the indoor dining areas consistently reach 95 degrees or above, despite the restaurant's best efforts to keep things cool.