Urban Heat Islands in Volusia County, Florida
Project Goals and Questions
Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are metropolitan areas that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural regions. This phenomenon occurs when natural landscapes are replaced with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. The temperature difference is most pronounced during summer and at night when these surfaces slowly release the heat they've accumulated throughout the day.
In urban environments, dark surfaces like asphalt roads, parking lots, and rooftops can reach temperatures 50-90°F hotter than the air during the peak of summer. These surfaces then radiate that heat back into the surrounding area, creating a dome of elevated temperatures over cities and towns. The problem is compounded by the removal of trees and vegetation during urban development, eliminating natural cooling processes.
Why Does It Matter in Volusia County?
With its coastal location, Volusia County also faces unique challenges as heat islands interact with sea breezes
and coastal weather patterns. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective mitigation
strategies tailored to the region's specific conditions.
Growing Urban Footprint
Volusia County has experienced significant development in recent decades, with expanding commercial districts
featuring large shopping centers, extensive parking lots, and residential communities replacing natural landscapes. Cities like Deltona, Port Orange, and Daytona Beach continue to grow, increasing the potential for heat island effects.
Economic and Health Burdens
Higher temperatures force residents and businesses to increase air conditioning usage, leading to higher energy bills a particular burden for low-income households. The elderly population, which makes up a significant demographic in Volusia County, is especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when temperatures rise.