Mapping the urban heat island

The impacts of extreme heat are not experienced equally. Individuals who live in historically disinvested neighborhoods and those with additional health concerns are at greater risk during periods of extreme heat.

To better understand the uneven distribution of heat and related impacts, more than 200 volunteer community scientists collected data in Hennepin and Ramsey counties in July 2024 as part of NOAA’s 2024 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign.

Using heat sensors mounted on their cars, volunteers traversed designated routes in the morning, afternoon, and evening on one of the hottest days of the year. The sensors recorded data every second measuring temperature, humidity, time, and location.

The data collected by volunteers was analyzed by a team at CAPA to create detailed maps of the distribution of air temperature and humidity across much of Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Learn more about the results of the mapping campaign.