New research reveals how British cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat as global temperatures rise, with some urban areas facing far greater risks than others. An Ordnance Survey heat vulnerability index identifies Portsmouth as the most exposed city currently, while cities like Leicester, Exeter, Bristol, and Nottingham are projected to warm significantly by the end of the century. The analysis, developed with the Met Office and a data firm, highlights how urban heat islands—areas where cities trap and amplify heat—will worsen under climate change. The findings could help authorities prioritize cooling strategies and infrastructure improvements to protect residents.
OS index examines which ‘urban heat islands’ suffer the most – and which cope the best with rising temperaturesPortsmouth, Leicester, Exeter, Bristol and Nottingham will be among the cities that warm the most by the end of this century as global heating turns British cities into urban heat islands, according to research.Analysis from Ordnance Survey (OS) has created a heat vulnerability index for all cities in Great Britain. Portsmouth, which sits on the south coast of England and is home to 208,000 people, is the most vulnerable to extreme heat today and into the future, according to the research from the OS, the Met Office and the data analysis company 4 Earth Intelligence. Continue reading...
