Use of a mobile platform for assessing urban heat stress in The Netherlands

In this study, an assessment of the intensity of urban heat islands (UHI) in The Netherlands was carried out using an innovative mobile bio-meteorological measuring platform mounted on a cargo bicycle. The goal was to assess whether or not heat stress is currently or likely to become a critical issue. Physiological equivalent temperatures were calculated directly from the measurements. Preliminary results show how effective urban parks and greenery are in reducing the UHI. The maximum UHI in Rotterdam was about 7 K warmer than the rural area, whereas greener urban configurations were under 3 K warmer. City parks show marked cooling effects during daytime. The preliminary results clearly demonstrate the presence of considerable UHI in urban conglomerations in The Netherlands and confirms the important role of green spaces in mitigating urban heat stress.