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Quantifying Microclimatic Differences in Urban Heat and Urban Heat Stress Within Philadelphia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Quantifying Microclimatic Differences in Urban Heat and Urban Heat Stress Within Philadelphia

Samantha Seiden, Nikki Pearl, Patrick L. Gurian and Franco A. Montalto
Environments (Basel, Switzerland), v 13(4), 214
14 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040214
Featured in Collection :   Drexel's Newest Publications
url
https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040214View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026 Open CC BY V4.0

Abstract

heat stress urban heat UHI WBGT extreme heat
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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