TOH edition: Wednesday, 16 September 2026 · Science & Technology
In Extreme Heat, One Block Can Swelter While Another Stays Cool. Now Relief Can Reach the Streets Where People Need It Most.
Reported by Phys.org
Publisher date:
Urban heat islands can make certain city blocks significantly hotter and more dangerous than neighboring streets, putting vulnerable residents at severe risk during extreme heatwaves. Atmospheric scientists at NSF NCAR have developed high-resolution modeling that pinpoints heat stress at the neighborhood scale, giving municipal leaders the clarity they need to deploy cooling centers, hydration, and medical care straight to the blocks facing the greatest danger.
Instead of relying on citywide averages that leave vulnerable neighborhoods overlooked, officials can now see street-by-street heat stress and direct lifesaving cooling straight to the people at greatest risk.
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