JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new study by Climate Central shows that some densely populated urban areas around Duval County are hotter than other spots on Earth. They are called “heat islands.”
The study found that more than 60,000 people in Jacksonville feel temperatures at least 9 degrees hotter than their neighbors, and 67% of the city feels 8 degrees or hotter than surrounding areas.
One of the hottest areas is in the downtown core. Scientists say it’s hotter there because of building and paving material, lack of greenspace, and population density.
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One of Jacksonville’s heat islands is outside the Jaguars’ stadium, which you’ve likely felt if you’ve ever been out tailgating before a game.
The team and the city, however, hope to reduce the heat island effect as part of the “Stadium of the Future” renovations. The plan is to create a canopy of trees and shade that will protect fans, block heat and reduce heat retention by at least 7%.
The city is also spending millions to improve local parks.
Climate Central’s report says planting street trees and installing cool roofs can also reduce local heat islands.
For more results from the Climate Central report, click here.