The Midwest is billed a climate haven. But its infrastructure needs some work.

• Those rapid shifts put a strain on local infrastructure and makes it hard for cities to prepare and adapt, says Steve Bowen, Chicago-based chief scientist at Gallagher Re, a reinsurance company.

How it started: Americans who move from one region to another are increasingly citing climate change as at least one driving factor, as they seek perceived safety from extreme weather.

• Parts of the Midwest have been deemed "climate havens" by city leaders and climate scientists, because of protection from sea-level rise and more temperate weather near the Great Lakes in places like Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota; Madison, Wisconsin and southeast Michigan
• Even Maharishi University in Fairfield, Iowa has dubbed itself a "climate haven" to prospective residents.

Reality check: The Midwest's intensifying heat and precipitation still impose harsh conditions and put pressure on its infrastructure, Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications for the research group First Street Foundation, tells Axios.

Threat level: There's an emerging "extreme heat belt" in the center of the country with heat index values reaching 110-115°F stretching from Texas to Iowa.

• Extreme precipitation events like "100-year floods" are now occurring every seven to eight years. That's because as the climate warms, the air can hold more moisture, Porter says.

Zoom in: Just this last year, historic Midwest flooding resulted in evacuations in western Iowa and a partial dam failure in Minnesota.

What they're saying: "We've always had weather," Bowen says of the region.

• "But what is definitely changing is the fact that the individual events themselves are starting to take on more extreme types of behavior — certainly more intense than we've seen before."

Cities are on the frontlines of climate change, prompting some to act more swiftly than countries to combat the crisis.

• Most of the existing physical structures that support city operations like roads and bridges were designed for historical climate patterns and need updating, Porter says.
• His organization released an "extreme heat belt" map that predicts the majority of Iowa — and the Midwest — will experience at least one day at or above 125°F heat index in 2053.

State of play: Extreme heat and rain can cause major infrastructure damage, ranging from buckling roads, warped railroad lines to overflowing storm drains.

Details: Cities around the U.S. are already pursuing and developing ambitious plans to slash their carbon footprints, thanks in part to tens of billions of dollars for climate-related projects from the federal infrastructure bill.

What we're watching: The city of Des Moines spent millions to improve levees and tripled its stormwater projects, which helped save some homeowners up to 25% in flood insurance premiums.

• Indianapolis approved purchasing a floodplain for the first time this year, which can help absorb excess water that paved roads and parking lots cannot.
• Chicago is also examining improvements to its stormwater infrastructure and installing solar rooftops and gardens at schools.

The intrigue: Last year, Des Moines approved a climate plan to strengthen its infrastructure resilience and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Yes, but: Municipalities often need a federal funding boost to accomplish these goals, Porter says.

• Smaller cities may especially struggle, because they may not have the staff to collect the data needed to apply for FEMA grants.

The big picture: Climate change is becoming less polarizing, which makes it easier for cities to pursue projects and hire climate teams, Porter says.