Heat mapping pinpoints hot spots where the pavement reaches temperatures of up to 70C
TEMPERATURES across Adelaide on a typical hot day can vary from 7C to 70C, according to a heat mapping survey that shows households in hot spots likely to face higher power bills. SEE THE MAPS
TEMPERATURES across Adelaide on a typical hot day can vary from 7C to 70C, according to a heat mapping survey that shows households in hot spots likely face higher power bills.
The mapping by four southern suburbs councils, with support from the State Government, pinpointed regional hot spots where the pavement temperatures reach up to 70C.
A plane equipped with thermal imaging technology mapped more than 500sq km in Adelaide’s south on one of the city’s hottest days earlier this year, to identify the areas most affected by the extreme heat.
Some streets in Highgate, Mytle Bank and Torrens Park recorded surface temperatures of almost 70C, while along the Holdfast Bay shoreline surface temperatures were still a chilly 7.18C, despite the mercury soaring to 39.5C at Adelaide airport that day.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter said this was the type of knowledge which would help Adelaide achieve its goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city because naturally cooling an area would reduce reliance on power-based climate control.
“Understanding hot spots in our local communities helps us to target green infrastructure to reduce these hots spots. “Doing so is a win for communities as it creates more liveable communities, helps property values and helps reduce emissions in our communities,” Mr Hunter said.
Key results included:
■ LOWEST temperatures were confined to coastal and inland water bodies.
■ VEGETATED and irrigated reserves were also relatively cool.
■ AGRICULTURAL fields with dry stubble or exposed soil tended to be warm to hot.
■ HOT spots were common around commercial centres.
The information would be used to help councils decide where to put new parks and where that was not possible, consider installing green walls, more trees and plants along the street or on rooftops.
Dr Paul Barber, managing director of ArborCarbon environmental consultancy which conducted the project, said the results highlight the great benefits of trees and vegetation in urban areas.
“There was a very noticeable difference in surface temperatures between the newer developments lacking trees and vegetation, compared to older developments with more tree canopy and green space,” he said.
