Why City Heat Waves Feel Worse
• Urban heat waves feel worse due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt store daytime heat and release it at night.
• A Sydney study showed that the urban heat island effect can add up to 7°F during extreme heat events, increasing health risks.
• Lack of nighttime cooling in cities prevents the body from recovering, posing significant risks to seniors, children, and outdoor workers.
Cities hotter than rural areas: reason why
City heat waves feel more intense than in rural areas due to the urban heat island effect. Cities consist of concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat better than natural landscapes. These surfaces absorb solar radiation during the day, increasing temperatures. They release stored heat back into the environment after sunset.
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