Research by Geotab shows that the urban heat island effect can vary dramatically within the same city.
The fleet management analytics firm has released temperature gradient maps of the largest U.S. cities that take the temperature of different areas of each city. Los Angeles, at 37°F, had the most variability from the hottest to the coolest location. Seattle had the lowest variation at 6°F.
The interactive maps were created by taking hyper-local temperature readings at more than 50,000 points across America’s 20 biggest cities on the same day and time (June 21st, 2017). City centers often feel far warmer in certain areas, due to factors including paved surfaces absorbing sunshine, buildings blocking airflow, and fewer trees.
The maps could be a reference for determining which areas of a city would most benefit from cool roofs, more trees, and other environmental cooling strategies.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Biden’s executive order for a carbon-neutral government includes green materials mandate
As a driver of demand, federal procurement impact could ripple through the economy.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Controversial California solar power incentive proposal would reduce subsidies
Plan intended to encourage customers to install power storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New York City bans new gas hookups
Applies to gas stoves, boilers, and heaters in new buildings and buildings that undergo gut renovations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New engineering guide on fire safety for very tall buildings released
Topics include emergency egress, fire resistance, building envelope, suppression, detection, alarms, and smoke control.
Codes and Standards | Dec 22, 2021
Updated ASCE 7-22 standard includes first-ever criteria for tornado-resistant design
New document provides up-to-date, coordinated loading provisions for general structural design.
