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Journal article
Quantifying Microclimatic Differences in Urban Heat and Urban Heat Stress Within Philadelphia
Environments (Basel, Switzerland), v 13(4), 214
14 Apr 2026
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
This study investigates microclimatic variation across four environmentally and socially vulnerable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, utilizing ground-based measurements to assess urban heat (UH) and heat stress (HS). HS metrics, specifically Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and heat index (HI), were calculated from UH measurements, including dry bulb and globe temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The methodology incorporates statistical modeling to identify significant predictors of HS, with street orientation (north–south and east–west) emerging as a key determinant, while categorical shade conditions were not statistically significant. Notably, Kingsessing exhibited lower HS and a unique humidity profile, whereas temperatures in Point Breeze and Grays Ferry and Hunting Park were consistently elevated. The research demonstrates that neighborhood-scale measurements can reveal critical spatial differences in UH and HS that are helpful in customizing mitigation strategies to specific communities. The approach is adaptable for integration with public health and emergency response initiatives, supporting data-driven decision-making for local governments and community-based organizations. Although assessment of physiological metrics and sampling during peak heat periods were not possible, overall, the study provides a practical framework for addressing urban heat vulnerability and underscores the importance of context-specific, community-engaged solutions to protect at-risk populations from extreme heat impacts.
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Details
- Title
- Quantifying Microclimatic Differences in Urban Heat and Urban Heat Stress Within Philadelphia
- Creators
- Samantha Seiden - Drexel UniversityNikki Pearl - Drexel UniversityPatrick L. Gurian (Corresponding Author) - Drexel UniversityFranco A. Montalto - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Environments (Basel, Switzerland), v 13(4), 214
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 20
- Grant note
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NA21OAR4310313 William Penn Foundation: #117-21
This research was funded by the William Penn Foundation (#117-21) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through Supporting Regional Implementation of Integrated Climate Resilience: Consortium for Climate Risks in the Urban Northeast (CCRUN) Phase III (NA21OAR4310313).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001749518900001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105037049298
- Other Identifier
- 991022173405504721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences