Intensity of heat stress in 2015 and 2018 summer seasons in the region of the Lower Silesia (Poland)

AbstractThe main goal of this paper was to assess the intensity of heat stress in Lower Silesia, Poland, during selected weather events characterized by high air temperatures. The complex impact of weather on the thermal load of the human organism is presented using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The analysis was carried out for the 2015 and 2018 summer seasons and compared with the multiannual period of 1971–2018. It was based on meteorological data from the IMGW-PIB stations of Wrocław, Jelenia Góra and Śnieżka. In order to examine how heat conditions affect UTCI in different geographical regions, stations located at different altitudes and representing the lowlands, the lower mountain zone and the summit zone of the Sudetes Mountains were considered. The research showed that during the most extreme thermal events, UTCI values in the lowlands and the lower mountain zones can be among the highest heat stress classes. In the summit zone, the maximum UTCI values are usually classed as ‘no thermal stress’.

Download Full-text

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

Miscellanea Geographica ◽

10.2478/mgrsd-2020-0025 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

The influence of external environment on workers on scaffolding illustrated by UTCI

Open Engineering ◽

10.1515/eng-2021-0093 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 929-936

Author(s):

Iwona Szer ◽

Jacek Szer

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Heat Load ◽

External Environment ◽

Hazard Identification ◽

Climate Index ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Safety Measures ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Extreme Heat Stress ◽

Lower Silesia

Abstract The aim of the article was to present the influence of the external environment on people working on scaffolding. For this purpose, the heat load of a man was determined using the universal thermal climate index. The research was carried out on 40 facade scaffolds located in four voivodeships in Poland: Lower Silesia, Lublin, Lodzkie, and Masovian. The conducted analysis showed that employees may experience strong or very strong heat stress, and also extreme heat stress in isolated cases. The highest probability at 0.30 level occurs on scaffolds located in the Lodzkie voivodeship. Environmental conditions are therefore unfavourable for people working outside. This can lead to reduced concentration, longer reaction time, and greater fatigue, contributing to an increase in situations that could lead to accidents. Hazard identification allows to take safety measures that improve the comfort of work on scaffolding.

Download Full-text

Occurrence of strong and very strong heat stress in Poland and its circulation conditions

Theoretical and Applied Climatology ◽

10.1007/s00704-019-02998-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 139 (3-4) ◽

pp. 893-905 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Arkadiusz M. Tomczyk ◽

Małgorzata Owczarek

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Pressure Field ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Climate Index ◽

Human Organism ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Extreme Stress ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Environmental Prediction

Abstract The primary objective of the paper was the determination of the atmospheric circulation favouring the occurrence of strong and very strong stress of the human organism due to heat stress in Poland. The paper was prepared based on data obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute and the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR). The criterion of extreme stress of the human organism adopted in the paper covered conditions in which the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) value was higher than 32 °C. The research showed a statistically significant increase in half of the analysed stations and an increasing tendency or no changes in the remaining stations. Moreover, after 1990, conditions particularly strenuous for the organism were recorded (UTCI > 40 °C) over a major part of the territory of Poland. The occurrence of days with strong and very strong heat stress in Poland was related to the presence of high-pressure systems blocking zonal circulation. The research permitted the designation of three types in which the pressure field showed common features, but differed in the location of anticyclonic systems.

Download Full-text

Analysis of the Universal Thermal Climate Index during heat waves in Serbia

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science ◽

10.5194/nhess-20-2021-2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (7) ◽

pp. 2021-2036

Author(s):

Milica M. Pecelj ◽

Milica Z. Lukić ◽

Dejan J. Filipović ◽

Branko M. Protić ◽

Uroš M. Bogdanović

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Heat Wave ◽

Heat Waves ◽

Meteorological Data ◽

Climate Index ◽

Daily Maximum ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Bioclimatic Index ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Heat Hazard

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to assess the bioclimatic conditions in Serbia during summer in order to identify biothermal heat hazard. Special emphasis is placed on the bioclimatic index UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index), whose purpose is to evaluate the degree of thermal stress that the human body is exposed to. For this research, mean daily and hourly (07:00 and 14:00 CET) meteorological data from three weather stations (Zlatibor, Novi Sad and Niš) have been collected for the period from 1998 to 2017. In order to identify patterns of biothermal heat stress conditions, the thresholds of the daily UTCI (UTCI ≥38 ∘C, referred to as very strong heat stress, VSHS) at 14:00 CET are compared with the thresholds of daily maximum air temperature (tmax⁡≥35 ∘C, referred to as hot days, HDs), which are further termed as heat wave events (HWEs). The findings show that the UTCI heat stress category “very strong heat stress“ at 14:00 CET indicates heat waves. The most extreme heat wave events occurred in 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Moreover, three HWEs at Niš that occurred in July 2007 lasted 3, 10 and 4 d. HWEs and very strong heat stress events (VSHSEs) recorded in July 2007 (lasted 10 d each), 2012 (lasted 9 and 12 d) and 2015 (lasted 7 and 10 d) were of the longest duration and are considered to be the indicators of biothermal heat hazard. The daily UTCI14 h heat stress becomes more extreme in terms of severity and heat wave duration up to very strong heat stress.

Download Full-text

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

Geographia Polonica ◽

10.7163/gpol.0203 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

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

Indoor and Built Environment ◽

10.1177/1420326x20950448 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1420326X2095044 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

Download Full-text

Zagrożenie organizmu człowieka stresem cieplnym występujące w godzinach okołopołudniowych w czasie dni upalnych = Heat-stress threats to the human body around noon on very hot days

Przegląd Geograficzny ◽

10.7163/przg.2020.3.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 92 (3) ◽

pp. 361-376

Author(s):

Monika Okoniewska

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Thermal Stress ◽

Analysis Of Variance ◽

Air Temperature ◽

The Body ◽

Climate Index ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Hot Days ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Severe Heat Stress

This article seeks to analyse the universal thermal climate index (UTCI, °C), in order to characterise hazards associated with high air temperature that may possibly occur in Poland around noon on very hot days. Values for the index (calculated for UTC by reference to air temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), wind speed (v∙ms-1) and cloudiness (%)) related to from the Polish cities of Kołobrzeg, Poznań and Kraków, and to the period 2001–2018. Mean values with standard deviations were calculated, with minimum and maximum values noted, amplitudes, lower and upper quartiles and the skewness coefficient. One-way analysis of variance was deployed to determine whether UTCI values at midday on very hot days differ significantly from month to month. The frequency of occurrence of different intensities of heat stress was also determined. In each case, analysis related to both the overall period and individual years. Hours around noon on very hot days were mainly associated with “moderate” or “severe” heat stress, though instances “very sever heat stress” may also arise. The greatest threat of thermal heat stress could be noted for July and August, with conditions noticeably more severe in Kraków than the other stations studied. Kołobrzeg faced the most-limited hazard associated with the occurrence of heat stress, and only in July may “very severe heat stress” appear there sporadically. In turn, Poznań – located in a region with bioclimatic conditions typical for Poland – was rather characterised by “moderate” or “severe heat stress”. Equally, on a majority of the very hot days studied, all three stations recoded above-average UTCI values, with this fact making it clear that when a high level of thermal stress arises it may be rather a country-wide phenomenon. The most stable, near-average conditions characterised May, while biothermal differentiation peaked in July and August. Analysis of variance showed that, other than in relation to April in Poznań, levels of thermal stress on hot days did not differ significantly from one month to another. Analyses of the variability to values for the multi-year universal thermal climate index revealed an increase over time for maxima, especially in Kraków. This may point to an intensified risk associated with overheating of the body, in the south of Poland in particular. In addition, calculations confirm both spatial and temporal differentiation of biothermal conditions. Years in which hot days proved particularly burdensome were 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Download Full-text

The assessment of human bioclimate of Vranje health resort (Serbia) based on Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) with the focus on extreme biothermal conditions

Geographia Polonica ◽

10.7163/gpol.0201 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 94 (2) ◽

pp. 201-222

Author(s):

Milica Pecelj ◽

Anna Błażejczyk ◽

Nemanja Vagić ◽

Peca Ivanović

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Thermal Stress ◽

Cold Stress ◽

Weather Data ◽

Climate Index ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Heat And Cold Stress ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Extreme Cold ◽

Bioclimatic Conditions

The study deals with an assessment and interpretation of the bioclimatic conditions in Vranje (southern Serbia). The study aims at temporal distributions of bioclimatic conditions focussing on extreme thermal stress based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The meteorological data required for the calculation of UTCI concern hourly (7 and 14 CET) weather data collected for the period 2000-2017. The frequency of very strong heat stress (VSHS), very strong cold stress (VSCS) and extreme cold stress (ECS) for both morning and midday hours. Furthermore, the daily difference of the UTCI hourly values (diurnal UTCI change) are specified, giving the daily variance of heat and cold stress. The results revealed the frequency of days in which thermal stress prevails for the studied period. The obtained results show an increase in extreme heat biothermal conditions, while extreme cold biothermal conditions are in decline, especially in the last 10 years. However, the frequency (the number of days) of very strong heat stress (VSHS) increased since 2007. A spectacular increase in heat stress was observed in the month of September, particularly in 2015.

Download Full-text

Thermal stress in the northern Carpathians and air circulation

Miscellanea Geographica ◽

10.2478/mgrsd-2020-0022 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 147-160

Author(s):

Błażejczyk Krzysztof ◽

Nejedlik Pavol ◽

Skrynyk Oleh ◽

Halaś Agnieszka ◽

Skrynyk Olesya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Pressure ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Thermal Stress ◽

Low Pressure ◽

Climate Index ◽

Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽

Mountain Areas ◽

Thermal Climate ◽

Air Circulation

AbstractIn mountain areas, air circulation plays a major role in the forming of the climate. This paper examines how it influences thermal stress in the northern Carpathians. The Niedźwiedź’s classification of air circulation was applied. Thermal stress was assessed by Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Daily meteorological and circulation data for the period 1986–2015 were used for 20 stations in Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Air circulation was found to have a significant impact on thermal stress. The highest UTCI values are observed at Ca+Ka (centre of the high and anticyclonic wedge or ridge of high pressure) and the lowest values at N+NE and W+NW circulation; at the Southward stations, UTCI is higher than in the Northward ones; thermoneutral days are more frequent on the southward than on the northward slopes; during N+NE, E+SE and W+NW circulation and for heat stress days, the greatest thermal privilege of the southward slopes is observed at E+SE, S+SW, Ca+Ka and Cc+Bc (centre of low and through of low pressure) types of circulation.

Download Full-text

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

FLORESTA ◽

10.5380/rf.v44i3.31742 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 515 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

Download Full-text