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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Reductions in Heat Waves Frequency and Intensity

A reduction in the frequency and intensity of heat waves is a measurable indicator that evaluates the number of heat waves that occur, the duration of each heat wave, and the degree of hotness during each heat wave. This indicator considers all of these factors to determine if there is a reduction in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.1

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Data on the intensity and frequency of heat waves can be collected from the official website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA provides timely data about climate changes and heat waves. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monitors heat waves across the United States through a network of weather stations. NOAA scientists use a variety of data sources to track heat waves, including temperature readings from land-based weather stations, satellite measurements, and computer models.2 Data can also be collected from the U.S. Annual Heat Wave index, which tracks the occurrence of heat wave conditions across 48 states in the United States.1

Examples

Increasing trends in regional heatwaves

Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis (2020) conducted a study to determine the regional and global observed heatwave trends in frequency and intensity, using the Berkeley Earth temperature data set and the key heatwave metrics. The study showed that in almost all regions, there was an increase in the frequency of heat waves which was observed to be rapid and significant. Additionally, the study revealed an acceleration in the intensity and duration of heat waves since the 1950s. A deduction from the study reveals that a reduction in the heatwave frequency and intensity can only occur due to several factors; one such factor is if there is room for availability and accessibility of urban green spaces.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16970-7

1. EPA. Climate change indicators: Heat waves. 2021 [cited 2022 Aug 5]; Available from: https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves
2. Climate [Internet]. Noaa.gov. [cited 2022 Aug 5]. Available from: https://www.noaa.gov/climate