Nearly 34 million people in those cities, or 15% of the US population, experiencing temperatures higher than in surrounding areas
Almost 34 million people in 65 major US cities, or 15% of the country’s population, are experiencing temperatures that are 8F higher than their surrounding areas, according to a new analysis from Climate Central, a non-profit research group.
That is largely due to built environments like parking lots and asphalt sidewalks, and a lack of trees, that contribute to what’s known as the urban heat island effect.
The research found the urban heat island effect was strongest in New York City, where the built environment can push temperatures more than 9F higher than nearby areas.
The study, which comes as extreme heat is blistering through the US, putting more than 146 million people under advisories, illustrates how many are enduring even higher temperatures due to the way their cities were built.
Went to my pride festival last month. it was 98°F, but within the confines of the pride parade, nestled in the downtown district, surrounded by concrete, it felt like 110°F. The only thing I could accomplish was walking while fanning myself with occasional breaks in the shade. It was so bad, I couldn’t even pause to look at the vendors wares that were set up in unobstructed daylight. It was just too hot to stand and look at anything, I just walked right on by. There was a YMCA building that people would go in, just to stand in the air conditioned lobby for a moment. The doors opened as I walked by and I could feel the gloriously chill air rush past me. I would have gone in, but I observed that there were elderly, frail people taking respite from the heat inside, and it didn’t feel right that I (as a young healthy man) should join them.
Basically, it was so hot that the only thing I could really do, is patiently wait until I hit my limit, and then gtfo. I don’t think I’ll ever want to live in a city again after experiencing this kind of heat.
Everyone can be impacted by heat. Take those breaks in the cold air if you need them. In my experience elderly people often have some interesting things to say and I’m sure most of them wouldn’t have even noticed you joining them.