Search Results (22)

In the context of growing climate change and more frequent heat extremes, tourism in Mediterranean cities like Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is becoming increasingly vulnerable. This study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the human bioclimatic conditions in Mostar using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) index, the modified PET (mPET), and the Climate-Tourism Information Scheme (CTIS), based on hourly meteorological data for the period 2000–2020. By applying the RayMan model, relevant bioclimatic parameters were calculated for three key times of day (07:00, 14:00, and 21:00 CET), and the results were analyzed in terms of seasonal and daily patterns of thermal stress. The most intense thermal stress was observed during summer afternoon hours, while the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) offer significantly more favorable conditions for tourist activities. A major contribution of this study is the creation of the first integrated bioclimatic information sheet for Mostar, which brings together PET, mPET, and CTIS outputs in accessible format tailored to local tourism needs. It serves as a scientifically based and practical tool for informing visitors and improving the planning of tourism activities in accordance with local climatic characteristics. Due to its visual clarity and ease of interpretation, the information sheet has strong potential for strategic adaptation in climate-sensitive tourism management. Full article

This study aims to (1) analyze thermal comfort at outdoor sport events held outside of fixed venues or locations; (2) establish a method for evaluating environmental thermal comfort for large-scale, long-term outdoor activities; and (3) provide suggestions for the arrangement of shifts in routes and participants for heat warning and mitigation. Taiwan ReAnalysis Downscaling (TReAD) data, Sky View Factors (SVFs), GSV2SVF tool, and RayMan Pro were applied to analyze and evaluate thermal comfort at the 2021 Torch Relay Round the Island, Taiwan. In this study, modified Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (mPET), Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) were estimated and selected as thermal indicators for the purpose of obtaining a more comprehensive perspective. We also define and present thermal performance with a simple traffic light symbol (green: comfortable/yellow: warm/red: hot) and try to go beyond the concept of heat and visualize it in an easy-to-understand way. Full article

Urbanization and climate change present increasing challenges to outdoor human thermal comfort, particularly in university campuses where academic, social, and recreational activities converge. This study assesses microclimatic risk factors along the main avenue of the NOVA FCT campus by analyzing outdoor human thermal comfort using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) and modified PET (mPET) indices. Field measurements of air temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and radiation were conducted at multiple Points Of Interest (POIs) to evaluate thermal stress levels and identify critical zones of discomfort. Results indicate significant spatial and temporal variations in thermal stress, with sun-exposed areas (G2) experiencing PET values exceeding 50 °C, during peak summer hours, while shaded locations (G1) showed substantial thermal relief (PET reductions up to 27 °C between G1 and G2 POIs). Wind velocity and urban morphology played crucial roles in modulating microclimatic conditions. Wind velocity above 2.0 m/s was associated with perceptible thermal relief (3–8 °C PET/mPET reduction), especially in narrow, shaded passages. Significant spatial variability was observed, linked to differences in urban morphology, surface materials, and vegetation coverage. This research provides actionable insights for urban planners and campus administrators, contributing to the development of more sustainable and thermally comfortable outdoor environments in educational settings. Full article

Residential areas are the basic unit related to the living quality of urban residents, and their comfort is one of the key concerns of residents. Greening has always been an important means to improve the living environment of residential communities. In this paper, ENVI-met V4 simulation software is verified and used to discuss the influence of the residential scale and green ratio on the outdoor thermal environment. By comparing the difference in outdoor thermal comfort with or without greening measures in residential blocks of different scales, the effects of vegetation on optimizing the outdoor thermal comfort of different scale residential blocks are investigated. The meteorological parameters selected for this case study analysis include a wind speed of 2.5 m/s at 10 m height and an air temperature range of 28 °C to 35 °C. The results show that the wind speed and air temperature in the residential area are less affected by the residential scale and more affected by the greening rate. There are obvious differences in the improvement in outdoor thermal comfort by vegetation at different times. With the increase in residential area scale, the improvement effect of vegetation on outdoor thermal comfort also increases, which in 5 × 5 blocks residential area is 0.2–0.5 °C, higher than that in 2 × 2 blocks small-scale residential area. A modified index, PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) drop per green ratio, is proposed for cost performance. Reasonable and feasible greening suggestions for residential buildings are summarized. Full article

Previous studies assessing population exposure to heat stress have focused primarily on environmental heat loads without accounting for variations in human thermo–physiological responses to heat. A novel 30-year (1991–2020) human thermal bioclimate dataset, consisting of hourly mPET (modified physiologically equivalent temperature) values for diverse populations, was employed in the present study to assist in addressing this gap. Focusing on the Athens urban area (AUA), Greece, the climatology and long-term trends in acclimatization-based strong heat stress (accliSHS) experienced by average male and female adult and senior individuals during the warm period of the year (April–October) were investigated. Results showed that an average adult (senior) in AUA experienced, on average, approximately 13 (18) additional days with at least 1 h accliSHS in 2020 compared with 1991. The increasing rates per year were particularly pronounced for days with ≥6 h accliSHS, indicating a rise in the daily duration of heat stress in AUA from 1991 to 2020. Combining the variations in climate and demographics in AUA during the examined 30-year period, the long-term trends in ≥1 h accliSHS exposure for the study population types were further examined. This analysis revealed that seniors’ exposure to ≥1 h accliSHS in AUA increased by up to +153,000 person-days $\times$ year⁻¹ from 1991 to 2020. Increasing population aging was the main driver of this outcome, highlighting the urgent need for heat–health action planning in Greece. Full article

This study focuses on determining the thermal comfort conditions of seasonal agricultural workers during the hot periods of the year when agricultural production is intense in the Aksu/Türkiye region, which is characterized by the Csa climate type according to the Köppen–Geiger climate classification. In this study, the thermal comfort conditions of seasonal agricultural workers working on open farmlands were evaluated in ten-day, monthly, and seasonal periods for 6 months between 5:00 and 21:00 h using the modified Physiological Equivalent Temperature (mPET) index in the Rayman Pro software according to their activity energy during work. The results of the study reveal that increased activity energy leads to a decrease in thermal comfort conditions of agricultural workers, mPET values of agricultural workers engaged in soil cultivation (Group II) are 2.1 to 2.9 °C higher than the mPET values of workers engaged in plant care and harvesting (Group I), and the agricultural workers in Group II are exposed to more heat stress. The thermal comfort conditions of agricultural workers in Group I deteriorate between 09:00 and 16:00 h with mPET values between 34.1 and 35.3 °C and those of agricultural workers in Group II deteriorate between 08:00 and 17:00 h with mPET values between 34.3 and 37.7 °C. In this context, the daily comfortable working time in the morning and afternoon was found to be 9 h for Group I and 7 h for Group II. Overall, determining the comfortable working hours of agricultural workers in regions with different climate types in future studies will be an important resource for decision-makers in developing strategies to protect the health and increase the productivity of agricultural workers. Full article

This study examines heat exposure and its impact on the thermal comfort and health of spectators within a semi-outdoor American college football stadium in the southeastern United States. Over 50 sensors were deployed during the 2016 season from late August to late November to measure temperature and humidity across various stadium locations. Significant variations in temperature, heat index, and a modified version of the physiological equivalent temperature (mPET) were found within the stadium, with some areas exceeding National Weather Service heat alert thresholds during certain games. Moreover, mean temperatures in the stadium were higher than those measured at a nearby weather station, while the mean heat index was higher in the seating areas than in other stadium locations and at the nearby weather station. Reductions in modeled wind speed resulted in significant decreases in thermal comfort and greater physical stress among spectators, particularly when the wind was calm. Heat-related illness comprised up to two-thirds of all cases treated by first aid and emergency medical services during particularly hot games. Most of these occurred in the most thermally oppressive parts of the stadium. These results highlight the need for greater monitoring of heat exposure inside stadiums, earlier implementation of heat action plans to raise awareness and educate spectators on heat mitigation strategies, and incorporation of stadium design modifications that improve circulation, increase shade, and reduce crowding. Full article

This study aims to investigate the atmospheric conditions and human thermal comfort related to extreme heat in Rio de Janeiro during the first quarter of 2024. The dataset includes meteorological data from the A636-Jacarepaguá station of INMET and seven stations from the Alerta Rio system. Weather types were classified using principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Additionally, three thermal comfort indices were calculated: the heat index (HI), physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), and modified PET (mPET). Five groups of surface weather types were identified, with two being more frequent and associated with extreme heat events. These two groups accounted for over 70% of the days in all months. Critical thermal sensation values were found, particularly at the Guaratiba station, where the daytime HI exceeded 60 °C, and at the Riocentro station, where the nighttime HI surpassed 40 °C. The HI showed a greater range and variability compared with the PET and mPET, highlighting the importance of investigating microclimatic factors which intensify urban heat in central and coastal areas and cause daytime overheating in more distant regions like Guaratiba. This study emphasizes the need for detailed investigation into microclimatic factors and their public health implications, especially in areas with high tourist activity and vulnerable populations. Full article

In recent years, a considerable body of research has demonstrated the suitability of global and regional reanalysis data for human-biometeorological applications. These applications include the assessment of the outdoor thermal environment and the investigation of its relation to human health, especially in areas where the spatial coverage of surface observational networks is sparse. Here, we present the first comprehensive evaluation of the most recent pan-European regional reanalysis, namely the Copernicus European Regional Reanalysis (CERRA) dataset at 5.5 km spatial resolution, in terms of simulating the observed human bioclimate, as expressed by the modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET) that is computed through the RayMan Pro model, and its meteorological drivers. The validation was performed over Greece using up to 11 years of records of 2 m air temperature and relative humidity, 10 m wind speed and global solar radiation derived from 35 sites of the nationwide network of surface weather stations operated by the METEO Unit at the National Observatory of Athens. The ERA5-Land dataset at ~9 km spatial resolution, which represents the current state-of-the-art reanalysis, was also compared against the same observations. Our findings show that the CERRA dataset performs significantly better compared to the ERA5-Land reanalysis with respect to the replication of the examined meteorological variables and mPET. The added value of the CERRA data is particularly evident during the warm period of the year and in regions that are characterized by complex topography and/or proximity to the coastline. Combining the CERRA dataset with population and mortality data, we further showcase its applicability for human-biometeorological and heat–health studies at a local scale, using the regional unit of Rethymno (Crete) as a pilot area for the analysis. Full article

Europe has been experiencing an increasing number of sweltering heat waves in recent years. This run of hot extremes induces a significant impact on the human environment, especially in terms of excess mortality, highlighting the urgent need for improved heat–health action planning. This is particularly true in countries situated in the eastern Mediterranean, which is considered a climate change hot spot. To increase preparedness and response to overheating risks, heat–health warning systems (HHWSs) are of vital importance. In this direction, the principal aim of the HEAT-ALARM research project is to provide a novel scientific and technological framework for the development of efficient HHWSs, employing Greece as a testbed. Going beyond the simple notion that outdoor meteorological conditions alone can adequately describe the heat–health nexus, a sophisticated human-biometeorological index, the modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET), is used. Advanced statistical models and tools are employed in order to establish a clear link between mPET and excess mortality at regional-unit administrative level. Moreover, urban climate factors produced by combining remote sensing and geographical information system techniques are incorporated into the HHWS via a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model. The latter includes a scheme that combines the parameterization and modeling of building effects and energy, respectively, in order to account for the urban indoor thermal conditions and the intra-urban differential heat exposure within the five highest populated cities of Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion and Larissa). Further, the human body’s acclimatization ability is considered, as well as the physiological characteristics of different vulnerable groups of people, including the elderly, women and outdoor workers. The current paper describes the scientific background of HEAT-ALARM and provides preliminary results associated with the project’s realization. Full article

Due to the impact of global warming and extreme weather events, outdoor human thermal comfort conditions become tougher and harder to mitigate, especially for pedestrian movement and exercises. In order to better understand the thermal environment and thermal comfort, especially for outdoor sports, the 2021 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games held in Tainan, southern Taiwan, in May was selected as the research target. Both on-site, real-time environmental monitoring data and the Taiwan Climate Change Projection Information and Adaptation Knowledge Platform (TCCIP)’s Taiwan ReAnalysis Downscaling data (TReAD) were applied to estimate the modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET), the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for members participating in the relevant activities. The focus of this study was to analyze the thermal performance of (1) the torch relay around Taiwan from 20 April to 8 May and (2) the scheduled planning games held at the track and field stadium, at the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan, from May 15 to May 18, 2021. Full article

In hot, arid regions on university campuses, students are more vulnerable to heat stresses than in street canyons in terms of function; however, the knowledge of the impact of built environments on thermal performance is still lacking. In two summer and winter days, the shading effect of the existing urban trees pattern in a university campus in Egypt was examined to correlate their Sky View Factor (SVF) with the thermal environment, meteorology, Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), and Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI). The ENVI-met model was used in order to assess meteorological parameters, followed by SVF calculation in the Rayman program. Meteorological field measurements validated the simulation model and measured the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of two native urban trees to model the in-situ canopies foliage. In summer, the results showed a significant direct impact of the SVF on mean radiant temperature (T_mrt), PET, and UTCI; however, the excessive shading by trees on materials with a low albedo and low wind speed could lead to a slight increase in air temperature. Meanwhile, in the winter, SVF did not affect the microclimatic variables, PET, or UTCI. The resulting insight into the correlation between SVF and T_mrt emphasizes the importance of urban trees in modifying the microclimates of already-existing university plazas. Full article

It is quite difficult to investigate thermal comfort in hot–humid regions, and there have not been many real case studies or research related to this issue. In this article, four running events held in nearby popular travel spots in Kaohsiung, the largest city in southern Taiwan, were selected to analyze the influence of thermal environment and air quality on thermal comfort. Mostly real time environmental monitoring data were applied for estimating thermal indicators, along with Sky View Factor (SVF) data taken at the sites of the running scheduled routes, to analyze the thermal performance of participants at running events. Compared with runners, walkers (local residents, fans, and staff of the events) would be exposed to a greater risk of thermal discomfort with increasing time spent on the routes. With the integrated analysis, mPET (modified physiologically equivalent temperature) can be viewed as a relatively comprehensive indicator in considering both environmental thermal conditions and the biometrical differences of activities and clothing types. From the results, a good correlation between mPET and solar radiation/SVF was obtained, which indicated that mPET could be sufficiently sensible in revealing the thermal condition variation from one site to another during the route with time. Based on the discomfort risk assessment, for runners, the event held in autumn with lower SVF at the route sites would be less risky of thermal discomfort, while the event held in spring with lower solar radiation would be more comfortable for walkers. As for air quality condition, the inappropriateness of holding winter outdoor activities in Kaohsiung was obviously shown in both real time monitoring data and long term analysis. Full article

Climate change will bring changes to our living conditions, particularly in urban areas. Climate-responsive design strategies through courtyards can help to moderate temperatures and reduce the thermal stress of its occupants. Thermal response inside courtyard is affected not only by its morphological composition but also by subjective factors. Thus, standardized thermal scales may not reflect the stress of the occupants. This study investigated the impact on thermal attenuation provided by a courtyard located in a tropical climate under extreme cold and hot synoptic conditions by means of local thermal sensation scales. Microclimatic variables were monitored, simultaneously with the application of a thermal comfort questionnaire, by using weather stations installed outside and inside the courtyard. The Modified Physiological Equivalent Temperature Index (mPET) was utilized to predict the heat stress. Calibration was conducted using linear regression to attribute particular thermal sensation votes to correspondent mPET values. It was found that thermal sensation can be affected by factors such as psychological, behavioral, and physiological. The courtyard’s form provides a passive cooling effect, stabilizing interior thermal sensation, with attenuation peaks of 6.4 °C on a cold day and 5.0 °C on a hot day. Courtyards are an alternative passive strategy to improve thermal ambience in tropical climate, counterbalancing climate change. Full article

Different kinds of thermal indices have been applied in several decades as essential tools to investigate thermal perception, environmentally thermal conditions, occupant thermal risk, public health, tourist attractiveness, and urban climate. Physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) has been proved as a relatively wide applicable thermal indicator above other thermal indices. However, the current practical PET performs a slight variation influenced by changing the humidity and clothing insulation. The improvement of the PET has potentiality for further multi-application as a general and consistent standard to estimate thermal perception and tolerance for different studies. To achieve the above purpose, modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET) is proposed as an appropriate indicator according to the new structure and requirements of the thermally environmental ergonomics. The modifications to formulate the mPET are considerably interpreted in the principle of the heat transfer inside body, thermo-physiological model, clothing model, and human-environmental interaction in this study. Specifically, the mPET-model has adopted a semi-steady-state approach to calculate an equivalent temperature refer to an indoor condition as the mPET. Finally, the sensitivity test of the biometeorological variables and clothing impact proves that the mPET has better performance on the humidity and clothing insulation than the original PET. Full article