Urban Heat Island Study
The results of a summer heat mapping campaign reveal temperatures in Columbus neighborhoods can vary by up to 13 degrees at the same time of day. The report, released by Sustainable Columbus in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and CAPA Strategies, demonstrates how some parts of the community are warmer than others.
Three takeaways from the report are some areas of the community experiencing increased heat during the day, while the evening mapping data revealed a maximum 13.2 degree differential; strong community support for the project (more than 200 interested volunteers); and the data will inform the implementation of strategies and actions within the Columbus Climate Action Plan.
Steps To Keep Safe During Heat Waves
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Pace yourself.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check on family members, neighbors and pets.
- Watch for heat illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke123. Learn to recognize the signs and how to respond.
- Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face if you're outside.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks1. If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- Find locations where you can stay cool if you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage. For example, a public library, shopping mall, or a public cooling center. Plan how you will get there.
- Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades. Weather-strip doors and windows. Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside. Add insulation to keep the heat out. Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building's attic by clearing out hot air. Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
Project By the Numbers
On Friday, August 12th volunteers traversed twenty-two routes during three time slots. The sensors were collected and shipped to CAPA Strategies that will download the data. Expect a report in the October/November.
- 1 day
- 2 amazing interns (Liv! Micah!)
- 3 time slots
- 5 media stories
- 14 partner groups
- 22 routes
- 22 recruitment memes
- 78 volunteers rode the routes
- 225 interested volunteers
- 243.25 square miles
Urban Heat Island Project - Background
According to the U.S. EPA heat islands are urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. This impacts health, wildlife, and the economy. Extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event and can lead to illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion, but not everyone's risk is the same. A 2021 EPA report concluded that Black and African American individuals are 40-59% more likely than non-Black and non-African American individuals to currently live in high-impact heat mortality areas. Studies have also shown that hotter days are linked to worse test scores for Black and Hispanic children, widening the racial gap in schools.
For all of these reasons and to further support the Columbus Climate Action Plan, the City of Columbus along with partners Franklin County Public Health, Green Columbus, the Ohio State University's Byrd Climate and Polar Research Center, Friends of the Lower Olentangy, MORPC, and the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, pursued this project opportunity through NOAA.
Questions? To learn more about the CAPA Heat Watch program, check out the CAPA Heat Watch.