PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Everyone feels the heat during the summer, but new research shows some spots in Portsmouth are definitely hotter than others. On Saturday, experts presented the findings of a collaborative heat mapping effort from Virginia Wesleyan University, the Center for Sustainable Communities, and other partners. Called “Cool Down P-Town,” the initiative is meant to help identify areas where people may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
Researchers presented the data at an event at New Bethel Baptist Church in Portsmouth. That data was collected by volunteers in July 2024. They went to different areas of the city, using heat sensors to record temperatures in different neighborhoods. The study aimed to quantify and address the “urban heat island” effect.
“This study confirmed what we already suspected—some areas of Portsmouth experience significantly higher temperatures than others due to low tree cover and extensive impervious surfaces,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability at VWU. “The data collected will help us create targeted interventions that directly benefit the most vulnerable communities.”
The findings show that neighborhoods dominated by asphalt and concrete reached temperatures that were among the highest in Virginia. These urban heat islands pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions…