Pavement and buildings in cities absorb and trap heat, and temperatures can be several degrees warmer in the city than surrounding natural areas. At night, these “hard” surfaces gradually release stored heat and raise night time temperatures, offering little relief during hot weather events.
Viewer Tip: Asphalt, tar, and other dark pavement and roof surfaces absorb and hold heat, even after the sun sets. Thinking about adding or replacing a walkway at your homeConsider using materials that are less likely to absorb heat, such as gravel, grass, or mulch. Not only will these materials stay cool, but they’ll also allow rain water to soak into the ground instead of running off into the street.
Season: Summer
(Sources: US EPA. “Cooling Summertime Temperatures: Strategies to Reduce Urban Heat Islands.” http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/resources/pdf/HIRIbrochure.pdf)
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