The Hidden Side of Heat Stress on Infrastructure
Climate change is ramping up the pressure on our infrastructure. Most of us think about temperature in terms of what the weather app tells us—the standard 2-meter air temperature. But here’s the catch: this measurement may seriously underestimate the real heat stress that roads, bridges, and buildings face. That’s because these surfaces soak up direct sunlight and swirling winds in ways that the air temperature just doesn’t capture.
Beyond the Thermometer: New Metrics for a Hotter World
Recent research using regional climate models suggests that we need to rethink the way we assess thermal exposure. Instead of relying solely on air temperature, scientists recommend using a more comprehensive set of metrics that consider how solar radiation and convective flows impact the surfaces of our cities and critical infrastructure. Otherwise, we might keep underestimating the toll heatwaves can take on our roads, power lines, and buildings.
Let’s be honest—no one wants to see their freshly paved street turn into a sticky mess or their favorite bridge suddenly get a little too “bendy” on a hot day. It’s time for engineers, city planners, and policy makers to get serious about how we measure and prepare for the heat. Ignoring the real exposure could leave us sweating the consequences!
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