A new study conducted by Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Adaptation Planning and Analyst (CAPA), reveals that urban areas in the county experience temperatures up t0 10 degrees higher than rural areas.
The 2022 “Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign” also found that communities of color and low-income neighborhoods experience higher temperatures due to a higher concentration of impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and roads, compared to areas with more green spaces.
Additionally, the study found that trees and green spaces play a large role in mitigating heat, identifying specific areas that require more green infrastructure.
“By working together, Montgomery County, our partners, and our communities are taking proactive steps to build resilience and protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat,” said County Executive Marc Elrich per the county’s press release.
The results of the study can be found here.
