Jul 30, 2024 - News
Tampa is one of the nation's worst cities for urban heat. See its hottest areas.
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Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable. It's dangerous.
Driving the news: Tampa is among the nation's worst cities containing urban heat islands (UHI), according to Climate Central's analysis.
- UHIs can make cities less livable and increase the risk of heat-related health complications.
The big picture: Contributing factors driving the UHI index include roads, buildings and parking lots; a reduced percentage of green space with not enough plants to help cool the air; and dense populations.
- "The entire planet is warming due to human-caused climate change, but the built environment further amplifies both average temperatures and extreme heat in cities," per a Climate Central statement announcing the new data.
Zoom in: 87% of Tampa's population — 336,340 people — experience at least 8°F more heat due to the urban heat island effect.