Climate Services, Weather Forecasts and Prevention of Human Thermal Stress

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change is increasing average global temperatures and the intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves and cold spells. The impacts of climate change and associated heat or cold stress depend not only on climate factors, but also on human thermoregulation capacity, metabolic heat production, clothing and other factors. Therefore, weather forecasts will be more valuable if combined with individual characteristics and translated into integrated evaluation of heat balance and personalized adaptation strategies for improved thermal stress warnings, preparedness, prevention, and protection. Heat and cold stress and thermal physiological responses usually occur before heat and cold related illnesses. Therefore, the evaluation and prediction of the impact of weather patterns on heat and cold strain can provide earlier warnings for health effects of clinical significance.

This special issue welcomes studies and reviews on combining meteorological forecasts with evaluation of thermal physiological responses and perceived thermal sensations. This can include integration of weather forecast data with human heat balance models and individual user characteristics to provide optimized early warning systems to address negative impacts of extreme weather events on physiology, health, perceived thermal comfort and productivity. Human thermal modelling in connection with meteorological data and practical case studies on effective prevention, protection, intervention, sustainable solutions and adaptation strategies are relevant research areas. Meteorological services to forecast thermal stress and health risks for vulnerable populations, such as elderly people and children in indoor and urban environments, associated with extreme weather events for improved prevention and protection are within the scope of this special issue.

This special issue will provide readers with up-to-date information on human and thermal climate interactions, and with the perspectives of linking meteorological forecasts to thermal stress assessment for early warning, improved prevention, adaptation and policy to cope with thermal climate challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuansi Gao
Prof. Dr. Lars Nybo
Dr. Cornelia Schwierz
Dr. Sven Kotlarski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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