Reno, Nev. (August 2, 2024) – A consortium of organizations led by the Nevada State Climate Office is seeking volunteers for the Reno-Sparks Heat Mapping Project on August 10. The initiative aims to study urban heat islands and their effects on the region. Volunteers will drive or navigate predetermined routes with GPS-equipped temperature and humidity sensors attached to their vehicles.
The project has faced delays due to cooler weather conditions. “We really need a hot, clear-sky day to make the most relevant and accurate maps of our urban heat islands,” said Tom Albright, interim Nevada State Climatologist and associate professor of geography at the University of Nevada, Reno. “We’re having one of the hottest summers on record, but ironically our first campaign date fell on the coolest day in all of July.”
Volunteers are asked to indicate their availability for August 10 and 11 as a backup in case of unsuitable conditions on August 10. Organizers have coordinated with the local National Weather Service office, which forecasts favorable conditions for August 10. Volunteers will undergo training, complete a knowledge check, sign a waiver, and select from three shifts before picking up their sensors at the Washoe County Administration Complex.
Albright emphasized the importance of collecting data on hotter days: “It’s important we get data that accurately captures the hot conditions that pose the greatest health risks.” John Mejia, an urban climate modeler at the Desert Research Institute, added that such data is crucial for developing more livable and resilient cities.
Cinthia Moore, Development Manager at Make the Road Nevada, highlighted how this data would support advocacy efforts: “Now we will have data to back up the lived experience of many Renoites, which will allow us to push for improved policy.”
The project involves multiple organizations including the Desert Research Institute, Make the Road Nevada, Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Reno-Sparks Chapter, City of Reno, Washoe County, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency, Faith in Action, City of Sparks, RTC-Washoe and Northern Nevada Public Health.
“This is truly a community-wide citizen science effort,” Albright said. “We’re excited to contribute important information that can advance public health and environmental justice policy.”
