Fort Wayne participates in global heat study
As temperatures across the globe reach new heights, scientists are working to learn how to keep more people safe from the oppressive and potentially deadly heat.
NOAA Urban Heat Island Mapping 2024 Campaign
The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division was selected to lead a campaign mapping heat and air quality in Fort Wayne.
This summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and community scientists will map the hottest neighborhoods in 14 U.S. communities and 4 international cities. Identifying these areas, called urban heat islands, helps communities take action to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat and provides cooling relief for those living in the hottest areas.
The Heat Study was completed, thanks to the sponsorship of the Foellinger Foundation and Fort Wayne Metals and the volunteerism of Citizen Scientists, on August 26th and the results can be expected Winter of 2024.
Heat Study in the News
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Fort Wayne heat mapping study takes place
It was finally the perfect hot summer day. Temperatures reached the 90s, it was dry, and it was not too breezy for the Fort Wayne Urban Heat Island Mapping Study to be completed.
Fort Wayne campaign maps urban heat islands
Extreme heat, like those found in urban heat islands, can create a multitude of problems, especially for vulnerable populations. But it can be difficult to address those urban heat islands without knowing exactly where they are and what solution would best address them. To help figure this out, The City of Fort Wayne is embarking on an Urban Heat Island (UHI) mapping campaign.
Heat Mapping Information
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Fort Wayne Heat Vulnerability
According to the CDC, people with chronic medical conditions are much more vulnerable to extreme heat, particularly, those with heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity.
Allen County Resident Health Statistics for Adults:
10% have Diabetes,
11% have Asthma,
22.6% have been diagnosed with depression,
36.4% are obese,
Heat Mapping Area
In order to understand how heat and air quality are impacting our community on a hyperlocal level, we will be planning routes throughout the majority of Fort Wayne, focusing on residential and mixed-use areas. On our selected campaign day, a team of citizen scientist volunteers will drive with sensors attached to their cars on these pre-established routes at three different points in the day to see how temperature and air quality changes in each area.
Heat Research Benefits
Heat research can identify where we need to prioritize interventions to reduce temperature, such as tree planting, increased cooling centers, and outreach with health tips. Because we are also mapping air quality, we will be able to establish a baseline of where Fort Wayne air quality is and see if any interventions/additional education will be needed.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 260-427-8311 |
|---|---|
| In writing | Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne IN 46802 |
