Annual number of nights of thermal discomfort

The map shows that southern cities can experience daytime conditions that represent slight to moderate heat stress at the very least. Many southern cities have also a high share of elderly people. The map does not yet show future projections of thermal discomfort in cities, although it is expected that discomfort in more northern cities will increase.

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Methodology

As a proxis for Thermal discomfort the map uses the effective temperature.It combines air temperature (°C), relative humidity of the air (%) and the average wind speed (m/s). The outcome is one number per city of nights of thermal discomfort shown as a coloured symbol on the map. To compare with rural areas the map of Fischer and Schär. 2010 on the number of combined hot days and tropical nights as an indicator for heat days is included as a background map. http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/documents/18/0/Factsheets+for+urban+vulnerability+map+book/5e7895f4-4b42-4e61-b04b-e250407cf6dd

Units

Number of nights

Additional information

The mean number of hot days combined with tropical nights increases southward. In the future, it is expected that the number of such days will grow across Europe. In cities, this effect is intensified further due to the urban heat island effect.

Whether citizens feel comfortable or not depends not only on the actual air temperature, but also on the complex interaction of several physical, physiological, behavioural, and psychological factors. The Thermal Comfort Index attempts to capture these relations and the comfort/discomfort levels they generate. From a health perspective, thermal comfort at night is crucial, as the human body needs to maintain reasonable levels for sleep and rest. The mortality risk, particularly among elderly, young and sick people increases with thermal discomfort.

Annual number of nights of thermal discomfort

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References and footnotes