Evaluating Models to Measure Urban Heat Islands in the U.S.

As temperatures rise around the globe as a result of climate change, areas with extensive land development and built environments will face additional risk. Previously, Climate Central has applied Urban Heat Islands models to estimate the impact in over 50 American cities. In an extension of our analysis, we will look at factors that have not been included in previous models that may be able to further refine the temperature estimates. The analysis we will present breaks down the factors that lead to temperature increases in built environments and considers if there are particular design components of US cities that influence these contributing factors. We will also review the numerous approaches that have been taken to define these temperatures and determine if there are elements that can be combined to inform how to measure the heat island effect and how best to mitigate it.