#urbanheat — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #urbanheat, aggregated by home.social.
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Enhancements To The USGS Landsat Level 2 Surface Temperature And Emissivity Product For Collection3 Reprocessing
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2026.115563 <-- shared paper
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H/T @terry Sohl | USGS EROS Science Branch Chief
“HIGHLIGHTS:
• C3 advances Landsat TIR atmospheric correction, emissivity correction, and uncertainty estimates.
• C3 enables global surface temperature products, including polar regions.
• C3 retrievals improve accuracy and consistency across validation sites.
• Split window and single channel methods diverge at extreme temperature conditions.
• C3 and Landsat 10 support multi-decadal climate monitoring.
ABSTRACT: The Landsat program provides the longest continuous global record of thermal infrared observations of the Earth's surface, underpinning critical applications in climate monitoring, water resources, ecosystem dynamics, urban heat analysis, and natural hazard assessment. The release of a global inventory of Landsat Collection 2 Level 2 surface temperature products by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) marked a major milestone in operational provision of Landsat thermal infrared analysis-ready data. Ongoing validations and community uses of Collection 2 have identified opportunities to further improve accuracy, uncertainty characterization, and emissivity correction across diverse atmospheric and surface conditions. In preparation for the planned Landsat Collection 3 reprocessing of the Landsat data record in the late 2020s, the USGS is implementing a coordinated set of enhancements to the Level 2 surface temperature products. These include revised emissivity estimation that leverages external datasets, improved atmospheric characterization and uncertainty propagation, expanded dynamic range for high temperature targets, consideration of split window atmospheric correction algorithm for Landsat 8 and 9, and decoupling of thermal infrared processing from visible to shortwave infrared constraints to enable surface temperature retrievals under low or no solar illumination conditions. These changes are designed to improve product quality and consistency across the Landsat record. Beyond near-term performance gains, the Collection 3 design establishes a scalable processing architecture to accommodate the expanded spectral and radiometric measurement capabilities of the forthcoming Landsat 10 mission. By preserving continuity across the Landsat 4–9 record while enabling future algorithm evolution, Landsat Collection 3 will provide a foundation for long-term, multi-decadal Earth system thermal infrared observations…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #satellite #remotesening #earthobservation #Landsat #thermalinfrared #TIR #surface #temperature #emissivity #thermal #infrared #analysisreadydata #Collection2 #Collection3 #opendata #atmosphericcorrection #global #climate #monitoring #waterresources #ecosystems #dynamics #urbanheat #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #naturalhazards #updates #EROS #USGS
@USGS EROS | @USGS -
Enhancements To The USGS Landsat Level 2 Surface Temperature And Emissivity Product For Collection3 Reprocessing
--
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2026.115563 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @terry Sohl | USGS EROS Science Branch Chief
“HIGHLIGHTS:
• C3 advances Landsat TIR atmospheric correction, emissivity correction, and uncertainty estimates.
• C3 enables global surface temperature products, including polar regions.
• C3 retrievals improve accuracy and consistency across validation sites.
• Split window and single channel methods diverge at extreme temperature conditions.
• C3 and Landsat 10 support multi-decadal climate monitoring.
ABSTRACT: The Landsat program provides the longest continuous global record of thermal infrared observations of the Earth's surface, underpinning critical applications in climate monitoring, water resources, ecosystem dynamics, urban heat analysis, and natural hazard assessment. The release of a global inventory of Landsat Collection 2 Level 2 surface temperature products by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) marked a major milestone in operational provision of Landsat thermal infrared analysis-ready data. Ongoing validations and community uses of Collection 2 have identified opportunities to further improve accuracy, uncertainty characterization, and emissivity correction across diverse atmospheric and surface conditions. In preparation for the planned Landsat Collection 3 reprocessing of the Landsat data record in the late 2020s, the USGS is implementing a coordinated set of enhancements to the Level 2 surface temperature products. These include revised emissivity estimation that leverages external datasets, improved atmospheric characterization and uncertainty propagation, expanded dynamic range for high temperature targets, consideration of split window atmospheric correction algorithm for Landsat 8 and 9, and decoupling of thermal infrared processing from visible to shortwave infrared constraints to enable surface temperature retrievals under low or no solar illumination conditions. These changes are designed to improve product quality and consistency across the Landsat record. Beyond near-term performance gains, the Collection 3 design establishes a scalable processing architecture to accommodate the expanded spectral and radiometric measurement capabilities of the forthcoming Landsat 10 mission. By preserving continuity across the Landsat 4–9 record while enabling future algorithm evolution, Landsat Collection 3 will provide a foundation for long-term, multi-decadal Earth system thermal infrared observations…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #satellite #remotesening #earthobservation #Landsat #thermalinfrared #TIR #surface #temperature #emissivity #thermal #infrared #analysisreadydata #Collection2 #Collection3 #opendata #atmosphericcorrection #global #climate #monitoring #waterresources #ecosystems #dynamics #urbanheat #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #naturalhazards #updates #EROS #USGS
@USGS EROS | @USGS -
I keep noticing recently planted trees in public space that are *not* placed to shade people on the path or sidewalk. . . All trees in cities are good, but trees that shade people are *a lot* better. #urbanheat #yyj
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I keep noticing recently planted trees in public space that are *not* placed to shade people on the path or sidewalk. . . All trees in cities are good, but trees that shade people are *a lot* better. #urbanheat #yyj
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Almost every city in the world needs to urgently understand the need to get really good at planning and designing for shade. #UrbanHeat
RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fsnms3qy4wqzjg2s7ykpryhq/post/3ms5aws7pik2o -
Almost every city in the world needs to urgently understand the need to get really good at planning and designing for shade. #UrbanHeat
RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fsnms3qy4wqzjg2s7ykpryhq/post/3ms5aws7pik2o -
📈 Imperviousness vs. Temperature: Calgary's Primary Thermodynamic Trend
Mapping 313 Calgary communities reveals a linear relationship between % impervious surface area (Random Forest model on Summer 2025 Sentinel-1/2 & Landsat 8/9) and Land Surface Temperature (LST).
📊 Key Data Points:
• Cool Pole (<28°C, 0–15% impervious): Glenmore Park, Fish Creek (water & mature canopy).
• Hot Pole (37–40°C, 85–95% impervious): Industrial (Franklin, Foothills) & residential (Marlborough, Rundle).
• Thermal Slope: Every +10% impervious cover adds +1.2°C to +1.5°C to LST.🔬 Variance Drivers:
Material albedo, building geometry (shading), topography, and canopy vs. lawn structure.💡 Takeaway:
Impervious cover is the dominant microclimate driver. Urban planning—road width, building footprint, and canopy retention—is direct thermodynamic engineering.#Calgary #YYC #GIS #RemoteSensing #RStats #DataScience #UrbanHeat #CityPlanning #Microclimate #GreennessOfCalgary
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📈 Imperviousness vs. Temperature: Calgary's Primary Thermodynamic Trend
Mapping 313 Calgary communities reveals a linear relationship between % impervious surface area (Random Forest model on Summer 2025 Sentinel-1/2 & Landsat 8/9) and Land Surface Temperature (LST).
📊 Key Data Points:
• Cool Pole (<28°C, 0–15% impervious): Glenmore Park, Fish Creek (water & mature canopy).
• Hot Pole (37–40°C, 85–95% impervious): Industrial (Franklin, Foothills) & residential (Marlborough, Rundle).
• Thermal Slope: Every +10% impervious cover adds +1.2°C to +1.5°C to LST.🔬 Variance Drivers:
Material albedo, building geometry (shading), topography, and canopy vs. lawn structure.💡 Takeaway:
Impervious cover is the dominant microclimate driver. Urban planning—road width, building footprint, and canopy retention—is direct thermodynamic engineering.#Calgary #YYC #GIS #RemoteSensing #RStats #DataScience #UrbanHeat #CityPlanning #Microclimate #GreennessOfCalgary
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📉 Comparing the Solid-to-Tree Ratio with the Land Surface Temperature (LST) data obtained in the previous phase of the study allows for a visual assessment of the relationship between surface sealing and summer surface heating across Calgary’s residential communities.
🔥 The plot reveals a strong pattern for the vast majority of communities: a sharp increase in temperature occurs within the ratio range of 0 to 5. The Downtown Commercial Core stands out as a distinct outlier, where low LST values are driven by deep geometric shading from high-rise buildings. Additionally, neighborhoods such as Manchester, Seton, Redstone, Beltline, and Rangeview, among a few others, slightly diverge from the main trend.
📊 Full methodology and additional charts via the link:👇
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-microclimatic-anatomy-what-lies-beneath-the-citys-green-appearance/#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary
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📉 Comparing the Solid-to-Tree Ratio with the Land Surface Temperature (LST) data obtained in the previous phase of the study allows for a visual assessment of the relationship between surface sealing and summer surface heating across Calgary’s residential communities.
🔥 The plot reveals a strong pattern for the vast majority of communities: a sharp increase in temperature occurs within the ratio range of 0 to 5. The Downtown Commercial Core stands out as a distinct outlier, where low LST values are driven by deep geometric shading from high-rise buildings. Additionally, neighborhoods such as Manchester, Seton, Redstone, Beltline, and Rangeview, among a few others, slightly diverge from the main trend.
📊 Full methodology and additional charts via the link:👇
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-microclimatic-anatomy-what-lies-beneath-the-citys-green-appearance/#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary
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Extreme heat does not affect every NYC neighborhood equally.
The NYC Urban Heat Portal lets you compare heat exposure, air temperature, surface temperature, tree canopy, cool roofs, and other conditions across the five boroughs.
Explore the interactive map and learn more about your neighborhood: https://urbanheat.nyc
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Extreme heat does not affect every NYC neighborhood equally.
The NYC Urban Heat Portal lets you compare heat exposure, air temperature, surface temperature, tree canopy, cool roofs, and other conditions across the five boroughs.
Explore the interactive map and learn more about your neighborhood: https://urbanheat.nyc
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🌳 Is Calgary actually as green as it looks?
While open lawns (28.6% citywide) give Calgary a visual "green appearance", dry summer conditions quickly strip unirrigated grass of its cooling capacity. Meanwhile, true cooling infrastructure — dense and sparse tree canopy — accounts for only ~17%.
To quantify structural heat risks, I introduced the Solid-to-Tree Ratio index across 193 residential communities:
🔹 Critical Deficit: Downtown Core (56.2) and Beltline (24.6), where hard surfaces outnumber tree canopy by tens of times.
🔹 Suburban Pressure: New communities like Redstone (23.8) and Seton (20.8) feature high-density lots with minimal mature shade.
🔹 Ecological Buffers: River valley communities like Discovery Ridge (0.5) and Wildwood (0.6), where canopy exceeds concrete.👇 Link to the full study and interactive dataset:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-microclimatic-anatomy-what-lies-beneath-the-citys-green-appearance/#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #Alberta #Canada
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🌳 Is Calgary actually as green as it looks?
While open lawns (28.6% citywide) give Calgary a visual "green appearance", dry summer conditions quickly strip unirrigated grass of its cooling capacity. Meanwhile, true cooling infrastructure — dense and sparse tree canopy — accounts for only ~17%.
To quantify structural heat risks, I introduced the Solid-to-Tree Ratio index across 193 residential communities:
🔹 Critical Deficit: Downtown Core (56.2) and Beltline (24.6), where hard surfaces outnumber tree canopy by tens of times.
🔹 Suburban Pressure: New communities like Redstone (23.8) and Seton (20.8) feature high-density lots with minimal mature shade.
🔹 Ecological Buffers: River valley communities like Discovery Ridge (0.5) and Wildwood (0.6), where canopy exceeds concrete.👇 Link to the full study and interactive dataset:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-microclimatic-anatomy-what-lies-beneath-the-citys-green-appearance/#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #Alberta #Canada
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🌳 Quantifying Calgary’s Microclimatic Imbalance: The Solid-to-Tree Ratio
To evaluate the structural heat load across Calgary's communities, I calculated the ratio of high-thermal artificial surfaces to cooling tree canopy: Solid / (Park + Forest), based on my 2025 satellite land cover model (LULC v6.0).
Why this ratio matters:
🔹 Thermal Stress Indicator: It measures how many square meters of heat-absorbing surfaces (asphalt, concrete, roofs, bare soil) exist for every square meter of tree canopy.
🔹 Spatial Inequality: While mature western neighborhoods maintain ratios between 1.5 and 4, eastern and peripheral zones reach values from 10 to over 50.
🔹 Evidence-Based Planning: It moves the discussion from generic averages to identifying exact spatial boundaries where microclimatic mitigation is most needed.Note: The map uses a logarithmic scale.
#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #Sentinel1 #Sentinel2
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🌳 Quantifying Calgary’s Microclimatic Imbalance: The Solid-to-Tree Ratio
To evaluate the structural heat load across Calgary's communities, I calculated the ratio of high-thermal artificial surfaces to cooling tree canopy: Solid / (Park + Forest), based on my 2025 satellite land cover model (LULC v6.0).
Why this ratio matters:
🔹 Thermal Stress Indicator: It measures how many square meters of heat-absorbing surfaces (asphalt, concrete, roofs, bare soil) exist for every square meter of tree canopy.
🔹 Spatial Inequality: While mature western neighborhoods maintain ratios between 1.5 and 4, eastern and peripheral zones reach values from 10 to over 50.
🔹 Evidence-Based Planning: It moves the discussion from generic averages to identifying exact spatial boundaries where microclimatic mitigation is most needed.Note: The map uses a logarithmic scale.
#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #Sentinel1 #Sentinel2
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📊 Beyond Averages: Spatial Heterogeneity in Calgary (LULC v6.0)
Averages mask reality. To capture ecological stratification across Calgary's residential communities (excl. major parks/building-out and industrial zones), I combined Violin + Box Plots:
🔹 Solid (Impervious): Median ~67% (IQR 55–74%). High-thermal non-vegetated surfaces are a systemic structural feature across nearly all neighborhoods.
🔹 Park vs. Lawn (Canopy vs. Turf): Park median (~20%) doubles Lawn (~10%). A long upper tail (>50%) highlights spatial inequality in tree cover.
🔹 Forest & Water: Near 0% for 95% of communities, but sharp needles (up to 25% forest, 16% water) mark outliers with lakes or remnant woods.
💡 Takeaway: Calgary isn't homogenous—microclimatic comfort heavily depends on geographic boundaries.Full analysis coming soon: https://www.datastory.org.ua/
#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #OpenData #OpenSource #TreeEquity
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📊 Beyond Averages: Spatial Heterogeneity in Calgary (LULC v6.0)
Averages mask reality. To capture ecological stratification across Calgary's residential communities (excl. major parks/building-out and industrial zones), I combined Violin + Box Plots:
🔹 Solid (Impervious): Median ~67% (IQR 55–74%). High-thermal non-vegetated surfaces are a systemic structural feature across nearly all neighborhoods.
🔹 Park vs. Lawn (Canopy vs. Turf): Park median (~20%) doubles Lawn (~10%). A long upper tail (>50%) highlights spatial inequality in tree cover.
🔹 Forest & Water: Near 0% for 95% of communities, but sharp needles (up to 25% forest, 16% water) mark outliers with lakes or remnant woods.
💡 Takeaway: Calgary isn't homogenous—microclimatic comfort heavily depends on geographic boundaries.Full analysis coming soon: https://www.datastory.org.ua/
#Calgary #YYC #DataScience #GIS #RStats #RemoteSensing #UrbanHeat #DataViz #SpatialAnalysis #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary #FOSSGIS #OpenData #OpenSource #TreeEquity
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🔥 It looks like it's time to lock in the current version of the machine learning model (LULC v.6.0). Validation results on an independent test dataset (Confusion Matrix) demonstrate the excellent predictive power of the algorithm:
🔹 Overall Accuracy: 98.29% (95% CI: 98.16% – 98.41%) with a No Information Rate = 60.28% (p-value < 2.2e-16).
🔹 Cohen’s Kappa: 0.9691, confirming high classification reliability even with severe class imbalance.
The model shows a very low error rate for non-vegetated areas (Solid, Balanced Accuracy 99.72%) and water bodies (Water, 99.75%), but expectedly faces challenges at the boundaries between the Lawn (open grass) and Park (sparse trees) classes.
Currently, I am moving on to an advanced analysis of the drivers shaping Urban Heat Islands (UHI) in Calgary and preparing a publication for my website. Stay tuned for updates!
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary -
🔥 It looks like it's time to lock in the current version of the machine learning model (LULC v.6.0). Validation results on an independent test dataset (Confusion Matrix) demonstrate the excellent predictive power of the algorithm:
🔹 Overall Accuracy: 98.29% (95% CI: 98.16% – 98.41%) with a No Information Rate = 60.28% (p-value < 2.2e-16).
🔹 Cohen’s Kappa: 0.9691, confirming high classification reliability even with severe class imbalance.
The model shows a very low error rate for non-vegetated areas (Solid, Balanced Accuracy 99.72%) and water bodies (Water, 99.75%), but expectedly faces challenges at the boundaries between the Lawn (open grass) and Park (sparse trees) classes.
Currently, I am moving on to an advanced analysis of the drivers shaping Urban Heat Islands (UHI) in Calgary and preparing a publication for my website. Stay tuned for updates!
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #MachineLearning #GreennessOfCalgary -
"Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average.”
“Millions of people across the continent are currently ‘living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling.’”
#ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
Europe's heatwave 'linked to 1... -
"Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average.”
“Millions of people across the continent are currently ‘living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling.’”
#ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
Europe's heatwave 'linked to 1... -
“Climate scientists appalled by politicians' refusal to accept responsibility as heatwave hits France… They say that years of warnings issued from scientists about the consequences of global warming have not been taken seriously.” #France #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
Climate scientists appalled by... -
“Climate scientists appalled by politicians' refusal to accept responsibility as heatwave hits France… They say that years of warnings issued from scientists about the consequences of global warming have not been taken seriously.” #France #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
Climate scientists appalled by... -
Lists of cooling centers in #Massachusetts are easy to find using a DuckDuckGo search.
Why 1st ‘extreme’ Mass. #HeatWave of 2026 may be extra dangerous — and for who
By Irene Rotondo
Jun. 29, 2026, 4:05 p.m."A new heat wave alert for Massachusetts landed Monday, with officials warning of 'dangerously hot conditions' and a #HeatIndex up to 111 degrees.
"An 'extreme heat watch' is in effect for nearly the entire state from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. This will vastly increase chances both for heat-related illnesses as well as troublesome weather like thunderstorms, forecasters warn.
"Temperatures could reach up to 99 degrees in Boston on Wednesday during the day, with Worcester’s high at 97 and Springfield at a whopping 100. At night, they will drop just to the mid-70s, then creep back up to a high of 102 degrees on Thursday in Boston and Worcester and 104 in Springfield.
"Friday is expected to again hit 102 degrees in Boston, with nighttime temperatures at 79. On Saturday — the 4th of July holiday — temperatures will be 97 degrees in Boston and Springfield and 95 in Worcester. Forecasters warn there could be chances for thunderstorms across the state in the evening.
Being prepared
"Though temperatures climbed above 90 degrees in Massachusetts on multiple days in May and June, the impending heat wave will be the most hot and humid weather the state has had had since last year.
"The first heat wave of the season is often the worst for people’s health, according to data collected by state officials on heat-related illnesses and hospital visits, as residents’ bodies adjust to the temperature change.
"Additionally, emergency room visits and heat-related illnesses rise when temperatures hit 85 degrees or higher for at least three consecutive days — the threshold the state uses for unhealthy heat alerts.
"Boston officials urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and check on neighbors. Children and pets cannot be left in vehicles at any time.
"City residents can call 311 or visit the city’s heat website to find one of the 16 cooling centers at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families — locations turned into cooling centers for heat emergencies — public pools and libraries for relief.
A first test for Boston
"A spokesperson for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said on Monday that the city was still 'working through a determination' on its other cooling center locations and hours for the upcoming heatwave.
"The heat wave will also be the first major test of Boston’s new worker heat-protection ordinance, which took effect this year and is believed to be among the first local laws of its kind in the country.
"Under the law, city departments and qualifying contractors performing city work are required to maintain heat illness prevention plans designed to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths — especially those caused by fatigue, dizziness and dehydration.
"Under the ordinance, employers must provide protections including water, shade and rest breaks beginning at 80 degrees, with additional 'high heat' measures required once temperatures reach 90 degrees. Covered employers must also establish emergency response procedures, train workers on heat illness risks and designate a heat safety coordinator.
"The ordinance was passed by the Boston City Council and signed by Mayor #MichelleWu last year as experts projected more frequent and intense heat waves in coming decades. Boston officials previously estimated the number of days above 90 degrees, annually, could increase from a historic average of about 10 to as many as 46 by the 2070s.
Who is most at-risk?"Those over the age of 65, children and infants are more at risk for severe illness, with children facing unique dangers during the prolonged heat events. Due to children’s smaller body size and reduced ability to sweat, they will heat up more quickly than adults and rely on adults to ensure their safety.
"Consistent periods of time where daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees and nighttime temperatures remain above 78 degrees are considered 'extreme heat' for young children, the impacts of which can be long-lasting.
"People with chronic medical conditions, #disabilities, limited mobility, who are pregnant, experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers and residents without access to air conditioning are also at high risk. People in Black, brown and other communities of color may also face disproportionate impacts because of longstanding inequities in the environment and infrastructure, according to the state.
"Outdoor workers are among the groups considered especially vulnerable during extreme heat events. State health data showed 707 emergency room visits and 87 hospitalizations related to heat stress in Massachusetts in 2022, the most recent year available."
#Heatwave #MassachusettsWx
#ClimateDiaryMassachusetts
#ClimateChange #HeatRelatedIllness
#StayCool #Homelessness #BostonMA #UrbanHeat #WorkersRights #CoolingCenters -
Lists of cooling centers in #Massachusetts are easy to find using a DuckDuckGo search.
Why 1st ‘extreme’ Mass. #HeatWave of 2026 may be extra dangerous — and for who
By Irene Rotondo
Jun. 29, 2026, 4:05 p.m."A new heat wave alert for Massachusetts landed Monday, with officials warning of 'dangerously hot conditions' and a #HeatIndex up to 111 degrees.
"An 'extreme heat watch' is in effect for nearly the entire state from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. This will vastly increase chances both for heat-related illnesses as well as troublesome weather like thunderstorms, forecasters warn.
"Temperatures could reach up to 99 degrees in Boston on Wednesday during the day, with Worcester’s high at 97 and Springfield at a whopping 100. At night, they will drop just to the mid-70s, then creep back up to a high of 102 degrees on Thursday in Boston and Worcester and 104 in Springfield.
"Friday is expected to again hit 102 degrees in Boston, with nighttime temperatures at 79. On Saturday — the 4th of July holiday — temperatures will be 97 degrees in Boston and Springfield and 95 in Worcester. Forecasters warn there could be chances for thunderstorms across the state in the evening.
Being prepared
"Though temperatures climbed above 90 degrees in Massachusetts on multiple days in May and June, the impending heat wave will be the most hot and humid weather the state has had had since last year.
"The first heat wave of the season is often the worst for people’s health, according to data collected by state officials on heat-related illnesses and hospital visits, as residents’ bodies adjust to the temperature change.
"Additionally, emergency room visits and heat-related illnesses rise when temperatures hit 85 degrees or higher for at least three consecutive days — the threshold the state uses for unhealthy heat alerts.
"Boston officials urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and check on neighbors. Children and pets cannot be left in vehicles at any time.
"City residents can call 311 or visit the city’s heat website to find one of the 16 cooling centers at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families — locations turned into cooling centers for heat emergencies — public pools and libraries for relief.
A first test for Boston
"A spokesperson for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said on Monday that the city was still 'working through a determination' on its other cooling center locations and hours for the upcoming heatwave.
"The heat wave will also be the first major test of Boston’s new worker heat-protection ordinance, which took effect this year and is believed to be among the first local laws of its kind in the country.
"Under the law, city departments and qualifying contractors performing city work are required to maintain heat illness prevention plans designed to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths — especially those caused by fatigue, dizziness and dehydration.
"Under the ordinance, employers must provide protections including water, shade and rest breaks beginning at 80 degrees, with additional 'high heat' measures required once temperatures reach 90 degrees. Covered employers must also establish emergency response procedures, train workers on heat illness risks and designate a heat safety coordinator.
"The ordinance was passed by the Boston City Council and signed by Mayor #MichelleWu last year as experts projected more frequent and intense heat waves in coming decades. Boston officials previously estimated the number of days above 90 degrees, annually, could increase from a historic average of about 10 to as many as 46 by the 2070s.
Who is most at-risk?"Those over the age of 65, children and infants are more at risk for severe illness, with children facing unique dangers during the prolonged heat events. Due to children’s smaller body size and reduced ability to sweat, they will heat up more quickly than adults and rely on adults to ensure their safety.
"Consistent periods of time where daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees and nighttime temperatures remain above 78 degrees are considered 'extreme heat' for young children, the impacts of which can be long-lasting.
"People with chronic medical conditions, #disabilities, limited mobility, who are pregnant, experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers and residents without access to air conditioning are also at high risk. People in Black, brown and other communities of color may also face disproportionate impacts because of longstanding inequities in the environment and infrastructure, according to the state.
"Outdoor workers are among the groups considered especially vulnerable during extreme heat events. State health data showed 707 emergency room visits and 87 hospitalizations related to heat stress in Massachusetts in 2022, the most recent year available."
#Heatwave #MassachusettsWx
#ClimateDiaryMassachusetts
#ClimateChange #HeatRelatedIllness
#StayCool #Homelessness #BostonMA #UrbanHeat #WorkersRights #CoolingCenters -
23°C separates Brussels city centre (≈47°C land surface temp) from the nearby Sonian Forest (≈24.5°C) — captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on 24 June, as Belgium issued a national heatwave alert. The urban heat island effect. 🌡️ 🔗 https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/publications-data/analysis-data/population-characteristics-in-areas-exposed-to-the-urban-heat-island-effect #UrbanHeat #Copernicus
23°C separates Brussels city centre (≈47°C land surface temp) from the nearby Sonian Forest (≈24.5°C) — captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on 24 June, as Belgium issued a national heatwave alert.
The urban heat island effect. 🌡️
🔗 climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/…
#UrbanHeat #Copernicus
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https://nitter.net/EUEnvironment/status/2070118601617486091#m -
23°C separates Brussels city centre (≈47°C land surface temp) from the nearby Sonian Forest (≈24.5°C) — captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on 24 June, as Belgium issued a national heatwave alert. The urban heat island effect. 🌡️ 🔗 https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/publications-data/analysis-data/population-characteristics-in-areas-exposed-to-the-urban-heat-island-effect #UrbanHeat #Copernicus
23°C separates Brussels city centre (≈47°C land surface temp) from the nearby Sonian Forest (≈24.5°C) — captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on 24 June, as Belgium issued a national heatwave alert.
The urban heat island effect. 🌡️
🔗 climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/…
#UrbanHeat #Copernicus
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https://nitter.net/EUEnvironment/status/2070118601617486091#m -
“Extreme heat is already creating ‘nonsurvivable’ conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than first thought.” Via @[email protected] #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
"Nonsurvivable": Today's heatw... -
“Extreme heat is already creating ‘nonsurvivable’ conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than first thought.” Via @[email protected] #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
"Nonsurvivable": Today's heatw... -
Stay out of the heat with Cool Routes, a new app from ASU that finds the shadiest paths for your walk. #urbanheat
https://phys.org/news/2026-06-cool-routes-cooler-paths-hourly.html
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“Europe’s Soaring Heat and the Great Air Conditioning Dilemma” “Europe’s cities can beat extreme heat by combining efficient air con with passive cooling to reduce emissions and energy use.” MUCH smarter passive cooling and a much cleaner energy grid, achieved with EMERGENCY speed. #UrbanHeat
Europe’s Soaring Heat and the ... -
“Europe’s Soaring Heat and the Great Air Conditioning Dilemma” “Europe’s cities can beat extreme heat by combining efficient air con with passive cooling to reduce emissions and energy use.” MUCH smarter passive cooling and a much cleaner energy grid, achieved with EMERGENCY speed. #UrbanHeat
Europe’s Soaring Heat and the ... -
Trees Can Halve The Heat Trapped in Cities, But There's a Catch
https://www.sciencealert.com/trees-can-halve-the-heat-trapped-in-cities-but-theres-a-catch
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Trees Can Halve The Heat Trapped in Cities, But There's a Catch
https://www.sciencealert.com/trees-can-halve-the-heat-trapped-in-cities-but-theres-a-catch
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☀️ Albedo vs. Surface Temperature: Why a "Bright" City Isn't Always Cooler
❗ Key findings from the current stage of research:
🔹 Vegetation (NDVI): Based on modeling results, biomass health accounted for approximately 40% of the variance in Calgary’s temperature regime in 2025.
🔹 Albedo (Reflectance): While it is commonly assumed that high surface reflectance reduces heat absorption, satellite data (broadband shortwave albedo) reveals a far more nuanced picture.🔥 The Seton Anomaly
The scatter plot clearly shows a wide distribution of values. The community of Seton is a particularly striking example: despite its high average albedo (likely due to light-colored soils at construction sites and new roofing materials), the area remains in a "heat zone" (classified as Warm Background in my model).❗ Albedo plays a role, but it is not the dominant factor in Calgary’s environment.
#Calgary #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #APEGA #GreennesOfCalgary
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☀️ Albedo vs. Surface Temperature: Why a "Bright" City Isn't Always Cooler
❗ Key findings from the current stage of research:
🔹 Vegetation (NDVI): Based on modeling results, biomass health accounted for approximately 40% of the variance in Calgary’s temperature regime in 2025.
🔹 Albedo (Reflectance): While it is commonly assumed that high surface reflectance reduces heat absorption, satellite data (broadband shortwave albedo) reveals a far more nuanced picture.🔥 The Seton Anomaly
The scatter plot clearly shows a wide distribution of values. The community of Seton is a particularly striking example: despite its high average albedo (likely due to light-colored soils at construction sites and new roofing materials), the area remains in a "heat zone" (classified as Warm Background in my model).❗ Albedo plays a role, but it is not the dominant factor in Calgary’s environment.
#Calgary #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateResilience #YYC #Geoscience #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #APEGA #GreennesOfCalgary
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“Extreme heat is already creating ‘nonsurvivable’ conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than first thought.” Via @[email protected] #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
"Nonsurvivable": Today's heatw... -
“Extreme heat is already creating ‘nonsurvivable’ conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than first thought.” Via @[email protected] #ClimateCrisis #UrbanHeat
"Nonsurvivable": Today's heatw... -
It is a common belief that higher elevations are naturally cooler. In pristine landscapes, this rule holds firm. But what about urban environments? Humanity moves vast amounts of matter and energy, sometimes fundamentally altering the thermodynamic parameters of our habitat.
🛰️ I correlated summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) data across Calgary’s neighborhoods with the Canadian Medium-Resolution Digital Elevation Model (MRDEM). The chart below illustrates the relationship between "Average Elevation" and "Average Surface Temperature" specifically for established residential communities. As observed, this relationship is notably weak, even though a slight cooling trend persists. Based on my data analysis, elevation above sea level is not a key factor in cooling the city.
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Landsat #fossgis #DigitalElevationModel
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It is a common belief that higher elevations are naturally cooler. In pristine landscapes, this rule holds firm. But what about urban environments? Humanity moves vast amounts of matter and energy, sometimes fundamentally altering the thermodynamic parameters of our habitat.
🛰️ I correlated summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) data across Calgary’s neighborhoods with the Canadian Medium-Resolution Digital Elevation Model (MRDEM). The chart below illustrates the relationship between "Average Elevation" and "Average Surface Temperature" specifically for established residential communities. As observed, this relationship is notably weak, even though a slight cooling trend persists. Based on my data analysis, elevation above sea level is not a key factor in cooling the city.
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Landsat #fossgis #DigitalElevationModel
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💻 I took several completely independent datasets and "pitted" them against each other. One of the results is shown in this chart: the more "concrete" (roads, buildings, parking lots) my machine learning model identified in a community, the higher the surface temperature recorded by the thermal sensor.
🔥 The result: Data from different sources confirm one another. The difference in surface temperature between "green" and "concrete" residential areas averages 8–10°C throughout the summer. On certain days, this gap is likely even wider.
📉 This chart shows only established residential communities. If industrial zones were included, the trend would be even more dramatic. While modeling errors certainly exist, the overall physical pattern is undeniable.
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #LULC #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #MachineLearning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Sentinel1 #Sentinel2 #Landsat #fossgis
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💻 I took several completely independent datasets and "pitted" them against each other. One of the results is shown in this chart: the more "concrete" (roads, buildings, parking lots) my machine learning model identified in a community, the higher the surface temperature recorded by the thermal sensor.
🔥 The result: Data from different sources confirm one another. The difference in surface temperature between "green" and "concrete" residential areas averages 8–10°C throughout the summer. On certain days, this gap is likely even wider.
📉 This chart shows only established residential communities. If industrial zones were included, the trend would be even more dramatic. While modeling errors certainly exist, the overall physical pattern is undeniable.
#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #LULC #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #MachineLearning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Sentinel1 #Sentinel2 #Landsat #fossgis
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How the house and car nexus is destroying biodiversity
"Australian houses are among the largest in the world, averaging 236 square metres of living space"
"Local urban greening outcomes are subjugated to state government housing priorities."
"Driveway area has increased on average by 57% from 29m2 to 46m2."
"Front garden area has reduced on average by 46% from 102m2 to 55m2."
"Redevelopment has reduced canopy cover by 62% at the lot scale."
"Middle-ring suburban Sydney is experiencing a quiet yet profound transformation. As redevelopment accelerates, larger houses with expansive footprints and additional driveways are steadily replacing traditional front yards and gardens. This study examines 370 properties across Northern and Greater Western Sydney to quantify these changes. In areas where older, low-density homes have been replaced by newer, larger detached dwellings, the average front garden area has declined by 46%, while driveways and other impervious surfaces have increased by 57%. Most notably, front yard canopy cover has fallen by 62%. These patterns are not due to a lack of policy, but to a planning system in which local controls have become discretionary under ongoing state-level legislative reforms. Broader social trends toward larger homes and greater car ownership further reinforce this shift. The cumulative effect is leading to a substantial loss of private green space, contributing to higher urban heat, reduced biodiversity, and diminished connections with nature. Urban planning reform is urgently needed to embed minimum standards..."
Death of the front yards: How the house and car is replacing residential gardens >>
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264275126001617#cars #roads #housing #driveways #sprawl #expansion #MumAndDadDeveloper #UHI #UrbanHeat #gardens #backyard #GreenSpace #UrbanGreening #wildlife #biodiversity #trees #children #SmallLandclearing #UrbanPlanning #FossilFuel #dependency #failure #regulation #suburbia #Australia #culture
Image: Housing cars
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How the house and car nexus is destroying biodiversity
"Australian houses are among the largest in the world, averaging 236 square metres of living space"
"Local urban greening outcomes are subjugated to state government housing priorities."
"Driveway area has increased on average by 57% from 29m2 to 46m2."
"Front garden area has reduced on average by 46% from 102m2 to 55m2."
"Redevelopment has reduced canopy cover by 62% at the lot scale."
"Middle-ring suburban Sydney is experiencing a quiet yet profound transformation. As redevelopment accelerates, larger houses with expansive footprints and additional driveways are steadily replacing traditional front yards and gardens. This study examines 370 properties across Northern and Greater Western Sydney to quantify these changes. In areas where older, low-density homes have been replaced by newer, larger detached dwellings, the average front garden area has declined by 46%, while driveways and other impervious surfaces have increased by 57%. Most notably, front yard canopy cover has fallen by 62%. These patterns are not due to a lack of policy, but to a planning system in which local controls have become discretionary under ongoing state-level legislative reforms. Broader social trends toward larger homes and greater car ownership further reinforce this shift. The cumulative effect is leading to a substantial loss of private green space, contributing to higher urban heat, reduced biodiversity, and diminished connections with nature. Urban planning reform is urgently needed to embed minimum standards..."
Death of the front yards: How the house and car is replacing residential gardens >>
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264275126001617#cars #roads #housing #driveways #sprawl #expansion #MumAndDadDeveloper #UHI #UrbanHeat #gardens #backyard #GreenSpace #UrbanGreening #wildlife #biodiversity #trees #children #SmallLandclearing #UrbanPlanning #FossilFuel #dependency #failure #regulation #suburbia #Australia #culture
Image: Housing cars
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Turning gardens into roads - Supersized driveways are shrinking suburban front yards
"...In 30 years time we’ll suddenly wake up and go ‘Where have all our front gardens gone?’..You end up with this hard infrastructure – houses and driveways – that have this incremental dominance of the landscape."
"Tree canopy coverage was reduced by 62% as older houses were demolished and rebuilt."
"In contrast, the footprint of driveways and other artificial surfaces increased by 57% to 46 square metres."
"...Greater car ownership and households increasingly having multiple vehicles had also contributed to the loss of private green space.The loss of private green space contributes to higher urban heat, reduced biodiversity, and fewer connections with nature..." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/18/where-have-all-our-front-gardens-gone-sydneys-super-sized-driveways-eat-into-yardsDriveway 'accidents' >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/search?query=driveway%20accidents15-minute city
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15-minute_city#cars #roads #housing #driveways #UHI #UrbanHeat #gardens #backyard #GreenSpace #wildlife #biodiversity #trees #children #SmallLandclearing #UrbanPlanning #FossilFuel #dependency #failure #suburbia #Australia #culture
Image: NSW 'garden' and private toddler playground in suburbia
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Turning gardens into roads - Supersized driveways are shrinking suburban front yards
"...In 30 years time we’ll suddenly wake up and go ‘Where have all our front gardens gone?’..You end up with this hard infrastructure – houses and driveways – that have this incremental dominance of the landscape."
"Tree canopy coverage was reduced by 62% as older houses were demolished and rebuilt."
"In contrast, the footprint of driveways and other artificial surfaces increased by 57% to 46 square metres."
"...Greater car ownership and households increasingly having multiple vehicles had also contributed to the loss of private green space.The loss of private green space contributes to higher urban heat, reduced biodiversity, and fewer connections with nature..." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/18/where-have-all-our-front-gardens-gone-sydneys-super-sized-driveways-eat-into-yardsDriveway 'accidents' >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/search?query=driveway%20accidents15-minute city
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15-minute_city#cars #roads #housing #driveways #UHI #UrbanHeat #gardens #backyard #GreenSpace #wildlife #biodiversity #trees #children #SmallLandclearing #UrbanPlanning #FossilFuel #dependency #failure #suburbia #Australia #culture
Image: NSW 'garden' and private toddler playground in suburbia
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Urban Heat's full digital discography is currently USD $30 on Bandcamp, whut? Yoinked! ---> urbanheat.bandcamp.com #postpunk #newwave #artoffactrecords #artoffact #urbanheat #buyCanada #buyCanadian #goth #EBM #synthpop #synthwave #punk #radio #music #DJ #VR #streaming #musicsky #darkwave #bandcamp
The Tower, by Urban Heat
