The Reno-Sparks Heat Mapping Project has announced the completion of its temperature mapping campaign, revealing detailed urban heat data for the Truckee Meadows communities. The initiative, covering nearly 200 square miles, was spearheaded by the Nevada State Climate Office at the University of Nevada, Reno, with support from climate scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI). Over 100 local volunteers participated in this effort.
Tom Albright, deputy state climatologist and associate professor of geography at the university, emphasized the project’s aim: “The primary goal for this project is understanding the variability in space and time of dangerously high temperatures.” He noted that extreme heat is a significant concern for Nevada as it is one of the fastest-warming states due to climate change.
The study highlighted “urban heat islands,” where urban areas are hotter because of more concrete and less vegetation. In 2024 alone, at least 491 deaths were attributed to heat in Nevada. This year was recorded as the hottest on record following previous highs in 2023.
Conducted on August 10, a clear and hot day, the mapping revealed significant temperature variations across different times and locations within the study area. In mid-afternoon, some parts were over 20°F warmer than others due to factors like elevation and manmade surfaces. Areas with more concrete and fewer trees experienced higher temperatures.
Additionally, certain industrialized areas retained heat into the evening and early morning hours. John Mejia from DRI stated: “By creating a digital twin of the Reno-Sparks region, we can simulate various heat mitigation strategies to evaluate their cooling effects.”
These findings suggest varying exposure levels to high temperatures across different community areas. Mitigation efforts could include using heat-reflective surfaces and planting water-smart trees. A Heat Summit planned for May 2025 will further discuss these results.
Brian Beffort from Washoe County expressed how vital this data is: “These heat data are incredibly helpful for Washoe County as we work to find solutions for the region’s increasing heat.” The project is part of NOAA’s Heat Island Mapping Campaign and includes support from CAPA Strategies.
