Heat Islands
Cities can feel significantly hotter than surrounding suburban and rural areas when buildings, roadways, and other “hard” surfaces absorb and trap heat. As a matter of fact, the average summer land surface temperature of Providence heat islands is about 20 degrees higher than the suburbs, and about 13 degrees higher than Providence neighborhoods with trees!
Viewer Tip: Feeling the heatConsider adding trees and shrubs in your yard to shade your home, which will reduce the amount of heat absorbed through your roof and windows. Trees properly placed around the home can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent – saving energy and money!
Season: Summer
(Sources: Brown University Center for Environmental Studies; USDA Forest Service)
