Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are identifying areas that experience the most extreme heat in Oklahoma City as part of NOAA's 2023 Urban Heat Island mapping campaign.
Oklahoma City is one of 18 communities from across the nation selected to participate this year. The Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, and OU's Department of Landscape Architecture are a few of the organizations supporting the campaign.
"Oklahoma City has always experienced the threat of extreme heat, which is becoming especially dangerous due to population increases and strains on energy and water resources," Rachel Riley, director of the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, said. "Once OKC knows which areas of the city experience extreme heat island effects, then it can work toward mitigation strategies that help residents most in need."
Urban heat islands are areas with few trees and more pavement that absorb and radiate heat. These areas can be up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than nearby neighborhoods that have more trees and grass and less black asphalt or concrete.
