scholarly journals UTCI field measurements in an urban park in Florence (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-117
Author(s):  
Martina Petralli ◽  
Luciano Massetti ◽  
David Pearlmutter ◽  
Giada Brandani ◽  
Alessandro Messeri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Human Thermal Comfort ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
The City

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate human thermal comfort in different green area settings in the city of Florence by using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Field measurements of air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed and black globe thermometer were collected during hot summer days in various parts of Cascine Park, the biggest urban park in Florence (Italy). UTCI was evaluated over different surfaces (asphalt, gravel and grass) completely exposed to the sun or shaded by a large lime tree (Tilia × europaea). The results showed strong differences in UTCI values depending on the exposure to tree shade, while no significant difference was found among ground-cover materials when all surfaces were equally exposed to solar radiation. Future studies are needed to investigate the microclimatic effects of different tree species on UTCI.

scholarly journals PERCEPÇÃO DA POPULAÇÃO SOBRE O CONFORTO TÉRMICO PROPORCIONADO PELA ARBORIZAÇÃO DE RUAS DE CURITIBA-PR

FLORESTA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeline Martini ◽  
Daniela Biondi ◽  
Antonio Carlos Batista ◽  
Kendra Zamproni ◽  
Jennifer Viezzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Urban Forestry ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Street Trees ◽  
Comfort Index ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The City

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a percepção da população com relação ao conforto térmico proporcionado pela arborização de ruas na cidade de Curitiba. Para isso foram realizadas entrevistas simultaneamente em uma rua arborizada e outra sem arborização, nas quatro estações do ano. Paralelamente, foram também coletados dados meteorológicos para calcular o índice de conforto térmico nesses ambientes. O índice utilizado foi o Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) e o seu valor foi comparado com a resposta dada pelos entrevistados. A porcentagem de pessoas que declaram não estar sentindo nem frio e nem calor na rua arborizada foi menor do que na rua sem arborização, possivelmente devido ao maior número de entrevistados na primavera e outono, estações com características climáticas amenas. Dos entrevistados, 54,3% sentiam-se confortáveis termicamente nas ruas sem árvores, enquanto que na rua arborizada esse número foi 76,5%. A maioria dos entrevistados (98,3%) afirmou que arborização de ruas proporciona melhores condições de conforto térmico. O índice utilizado, UTCI, refletiu aproximadamente 60% da sensação de conforto expressa pelos entrevistados. Conclui-se que a população que transita pelas ruas da cidade de Curitiba consegue perceber a diferença entre as ruas arborizadas e não arborizadas por meio das sensações de conforto térmico.Palavras-chave: Arborização urbana; índice de conforto térmico; qualidade de vida; UTCI. AbstractPopulation’s perception on thermal comfort provided by street trees of Curitiba - PR. This research aims to analyze the population’s perception regarding thermal comfort provided by street trees in the city of Curitiba. Therefore, interviews were conducted simultaneously on streets with and without trees, during the four seasons. At the same time, meteorological data were collected to calculate the thermal comfort index for these environments. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was used and its value was compared to the answers given in the interviews. The amount of people who said they were not feeling neither cold nor heat on the streets with trees was lower than on the streets without trees, possibly due to a greater number of people who were interviewed during spring and fall, seasons with mild climatic characteristics. While 54.3% of the people felt comfortable in the streets without trees, 76.5% felt the same on streets with trees. Most interviewee (98.3%) said that street trees provide better thermal comfort. The UTCI revealed approximately 60% of the comfort sense expressed by the population. We concluded that the population who roam the streets of the city of Curitiba - PR can perceive the difference between streets with and without trees through the sensations of thermal comfort.Keywords: Urban forestry; thermal comfort index; quality of life; UTCI.

UTCI as the NWP model ALADIN (CHMI) output – first experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-249
Author(s):  
Martin Novák
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Weather Prediction ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Numerical Weather ◽  
Weather Forecasters ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Nwp Model

The article includes a summary of basic information about the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) calculation by the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model ALADIN of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI). Examples of operational outputs for weather forecasters in the CHMI are shown in the first part of this work. The second part includes results of a comparison of computed UTCI values by ALADIN for selected place with UTCI values computed from real measured meteorological data from the same place.

scholarly journals Universal thermal climate index in Russia

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. V. Vinogradova
Keyword(s):  
Cold Stress ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Environment Temperature ◽  
European Part Of Russia ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Actual Environment ◽  
Almost All

The paper uses the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) to estimate the bioclimate in Russia, initiated by the Commission of the International society of Biometeorology. The UTCI index can be described as equivalent environment temperature (°C), which provides the same physiological impact on humans as the actual environment. Assessment of bioclimatic conditions is shown for the territory of Russia in the period of modern climate change (2001–2015). Cold stress conditions (from low to extreme) were observed in the almost all territory of Russia for about 8–11 months a year. During the rest of the year, the conditions are neutral or comfortable. The period of extreme and very high cold stress is reduced during the modern climate warming (compared to the period 1961–1990), especially in the Arctic, in the European part of Russia, in Western and Eastern Siberia. At the same time, the period with neutral and comfortable thermal conditions increases.

scholarly journals The evaluation of biothermal conditions for various forms of climatic therapy based on UTCI adjusted for activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-182
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Lindner-Cendrowska ◽  
Peter Bröde
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activities ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Vigorous Exercise ◽  
Adjustment Procedure ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Health Resorts ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions

The objective of this study was to assess biothermal conditions in the selected Polish health resorts for specific forms of climatic therapy. We calculated Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for ten-year period (2008- 2017) and then added adjustment terms, taking into account changes in metabolic rates during various physical activities from resting to vigorous exercise. The adjusted UTCI values increased with rising activity, implying that warmer parts of the year were unsuitable for intensive forms of climatotherapy. These results demonstrate that the UTCI adjustment procedure provides well-balanced assessments of bioclimatic conditions for the purpose of climatic treatment considering the level of activity

scholarly journals Bioclimatic Conditions of Paris, Rome and Budapest on the Basis of the Universal Thermal Climate Index

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danuta Idzikowska
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions ◽  
One Way Anova

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the main features of the bioclimatic conditions of three European cities using a new Universal Thermal Climate Index. Daily values of meteorological variables for 12 UTC for the cities for 1990-2001 were used in the study. Using the frequency of UTCI and one-way Anova, the results showed that in all the three cities “no thermal stress” dominated throughout the year. “Extreme” values of heat as well as “cold stress” were observed but in none of the cities “extreme cold stress” occurred. The values of UTCI differed for all the three cities in each studied year. The cities differed from each other in each month during the whole year with the exception of spring - March and April.

scholarly journals Principles of the New Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and its Application to Bioclimatic Research in European Scale

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Błażejczyk ◽  
Peter Broede ◽  
Dusan Fiala ◽  
George Havenith ◽  
Ingvar Holmér ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Actual Condition ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Special Study Group ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
Physiological Reactions

Abstract During the last century about 100 indices were developed to assess influences of the atmosphere on human being. However, most of them have not close relationships with physiological reactions in man. In 1999 International Society of Biometeorology established special study group do develop new Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Since 2005 these efforts have been reinforced by the COST Action 730 (Cooperation in Science and Technical Development). In February 2009 the Action was terminated and UTCI was developed. The new UTCI index represents air temperature of the reference condition with the same physiological response as the actual condition. The index base on Fiala model that is one of the most advanced multi-node thermophysiological models and include the capability to predict both whole body thermal effects (hypothermia and hyperthermia; heat and cold discomfort), and local effects (facial, hands and feet cooling and frostbite). The model consists of two interacting systems: the controlling active system; and the controlled passive system. The assessment scale of UTCI bases on the intensity of objective physiological reactions to environmental heat stress in wide range of weather and climates. The index can be applicable in various research, for example in weather forecasts, bioclimatological assessments, bioclimatic mapping in all scales (from micro to macro), urban design, engineering of outdoor spaces, consultancy for where to live, outdoor recreation and climatotherapy, epidemiology and climate impact research. The paper presents thermophysiological principles of UTCI as well as some examples of its application to assess bioclimatic differentiation of Europe.

Reflective Parking Lots for Microscale Urban Heat Island Mitigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (8) ◽  
pp. 663-671
Author(s):  
Sushobhan Sen ◽  
Juan Pablo Ricardo Mendèz-Ruiz Fernandèz ◽  
Jeffery Roesler
Keyword(s):  
Urban Heat Island ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Heat Island ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Parking Lots ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Urban Heat

Paved surfaces, especially parking lots, occupy a significant proportion of the horizontal surface area in cities. The low albedo of many of these parking lots contribute to the urban heat island (UHI) and affect the local microclimate around them. The albedo of six parking lots in Champaign-Urbana, U.S., was measured using a ground-based albedometer and was found to vary between 0.18 and 0.28, with a statistically significant variation in albedo at different points within each parking lot. The numerical model ENVI-met was then employed to model the microclimate around one of these lots to examine the potential of increasing its albedo to mitigate UHI. The higher albedo decreased the air temperature over the parking lot by about 1°C. Furthermore, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which combines the effects of air temperature, reflected radiation, wind speed, clothing, metabolism, and humidity, demonstrated that increasing the albedo of the parking lot could improve overall pedestrian thermal comfort and even eliminate it during several hours of the day, and thus mitigate the UHI effect.

Heat stress and outdoor activities in open spaces of public housing estates in Hong Kong: A perspective of the elderly community

2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2095044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxiang Huang ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Phil Jones ◽  
Tongping Hao
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Public Housing ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Housing Estates

Open spaces in Hong Kong are in short supply and they are often underused due to the adverse climate, especially in hot and humid summer. This is a missed opportunity that can be otherwise realized to promote health and social interactions for local communities. The high density urban environment makes the condition worse by raising the urban heat island effect and leaving planners with fewer mitigation options. This study aims to test the hypotheses that an unfavourable thermal environment disrupts the use of outdoor open spaces; if yes, whether such disruptions differ by age groups. On-site measurement and computer simulations were conducted in three open spaces in public housing estates in Ngau Tau Kok, Hong Kong. Thermal conditions were assessed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index. Occupant activities were recorded, together with a questionnaire survey. Results showed that an open space purposefully designed for breeze and shading was 2.0°C cooler in Universal Thermal Climate Index compared with the other two. It attracted more optional/social activities, higher frequency of visits, and longer duration of stay. The elderly activities were more susceptible to disruptions from heat stress compared with younger groups. Elderly activities largely diminish when ambient thermal environment exceed 39°C in Universal Thermal Climate Index. Findings have implications to design and retrofitting of open spaces in order to maximize their use.

scholarly journals Comparing Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) with selected thermal indices/environmental parameters during 12 months of the year

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajad Zare ◽  
Naser Hasheminejad ◽  
Hossein Elahi Shirvan ◽  
Rasoul Hemmatjo ◽  
Keyvan Sarebanzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Thermal Indices ◽  
Thermal Climate

scholarly journals Bioclimatic conditions of Lublin based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-127
Author(s):  
Mateusz Dobek ◽  
Sylwester Wereski ◽  
Agnieszka Krzyżewska
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to describe bioclimatic conditions in Lublin and Radawiec in the period 1976–2015 using the UTCI index. The paper shows that in Lublin and Radawiec, the most frequent biometeorological conditions caused no heat stress and were neutral for the human organism. At the analysed stations, biometeorological conditions causing cold stress occurred more frequently than those causing heat stress. Biometeorological conditions in the analysed period were characterised by high year-to-year variability. We observed that in recent years there was an increase in frequency of conditions favouring heat stress and a decrease in conditions favouring cold stress.

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