Uploaded on 2019-08-19 by Stefan

Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? Meteoswiss conducted a study on UHI in Switzerland (2018). Five cities were examined (Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva). Some of the main findings: - The urban heat island (UHI) is present in all cities throughout the year. Maxima are reached in summer, especially at night. Night temperatures in the city centres are on average over 2°C higher in summer than in the countryside. In less densely built-up areas they are between 1 and 2°C higher. - At the maximum, around 6-7 °C higher night temperatures were measured. During the day, most cities are on average less than 1 °C warmer than the surrounding countryside in summer. - Even in winter, the temperature in the cities is higher than in the countryside. During winter nights the temperatures are about 1-2 °C above those of the surrounding area. Comparison of the two images from Brussels : - In the city centre you have dark pavement, cars, and buildings. - In the rural area, green vegetation and lakes dominate the scenery. Which are the measures you would propose? - More green spaces - Less motorized traffic - More energy efficiency