NC State
MEAS Undergraduate Updates

This summer, scientists and community volunteers will hit the streets to better understand where urban heat islands occur in the cities of Raleigh and Durham.

On the day of the campaign, volunteers will collect real-time data including ambient air temperature and humidity. The data will be used to develop a high-resolution temperature map of Raleigh and Durham, which will reveal the hottest/coolest parts of the area and the extent of the temperature differences between them. Similar efforts in other parts of the country indicate differences upwards of 18-degrees Fahrenheit at the same time across a region. By understanding where the most extreme temperatures occur, ongoing heat mitigation efforts by nonprofits, urban planners, public health officials, and urban foresters will be able to provide resources to areas of the community that are most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat.

Raleigh and Durham are just two of the 9 cities selected to participate in the 2021 NIHHIS-CAPA HeatWatch Campaign.

Campaign Date

To collect the most meaningful data, the campaign needs to take place on a hot, clear day. Historical weather patterns tell us that we have the best chance of seeing these optimal conditions in Raleigh and Durham in June or July.

Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and/or check back here for updates – we will narrow down the time frame as it gets closer!