This summer, Charlotte residents are being asked to help map local hot spots by attaching heat sensors to their cars.
The Charlotte Heat Mappers, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are receiving $25,000 in equipment to collect this data. Heat islands form when surfaces like roads and buildings absorb heat, staying warm overnight.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US, especially impacting communities with little tree cover. In 2023, heat contributed to 3,925 emergency room visits statewide, with most in the Piedmont. This data will guide resource allocation to support vulnerable communities as the planet continues to warm.
If you’d like to participate, you can fill out the official interest form here – CharlotteHeatMappersInterestForm.
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