Iowa City Today

The City's Climate Action and Outreach Office is seeking volunteers to help map heat islands this July as part of its Spot the Hot initiative. Heat islands are urban areas where the temperature can be several degrees higher due to lack of tree cover, pavement area, and other factors.

Those interested can learn more about heat islands and this unique volunteer opportunity at the Spot the Hot Kickoff event, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Mercer Park. With yard games, snow cones, craft projects, and much more, the event is a perfect event for the entire family and a great way to learn about our heat island mapping efforts. 

To register as a volunteer, please complete our online form. 

What is Spot the Hot?

Spot the Hot is a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Iowa City, and the City of Cedar Rapids.

Both cities were impacted by the 2020 derecho, which likely increased heat disparities throughout the community. Data collected by volunteers will help identify where new heat islands exist and where temperature differences are more pronounced.

Because this project aims to collect data on one of the hottest days of the year, the data collection date will be determined by the National Weather Service (NWS) and not known by event organizers until sometime in July. We anticipate a three-to-seven day notice from the NWS.

Temperature data will be taken in the morning, afternoon, and evening throughout both cities. Volunteers will be asked to drive their own vehicle with a small heat sensor attached to it to collect temperature data, or to be a navigator in the same vehicle helping the driver follow a specially mapped route. Family and friends are encouraged to volunteer together as a driver-navigator team.

Information gathered to help map these areas can help local decision-makers better address the health impacts of extreme heat.

Original source can be found here.