By Andreana Jinjue Lin
“We need to be using this data in our advocacy so that we can know how to protect people from heat events, which actually are the most dangerous kinds of extreme weather events that we experience here in this region.” — Ting Waymouth, Northern Virginia Grassroots Coordinator, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (quoted in DC News Now)
On Thursday, July 16, more than 80 passionate citizen scientists across Northern Virginia took to the roads on one of this summer’s hottest days to collect weather data. Each volunteer team mounted a weather-tracking device to the roof of their vehicle before driving pre-assigned routes during the morning, afternoon, and evening to measure temperature and humidity across the region.
This “Measurement Day” is part of phase one of FACS’ Urban Heat Island Mapping Project, in partnership with George Mason University’s Virginia Climate Center. Researchers are now analyzing the data to create regional heat maps. We will continue sharing project updates and findings throughout the fall, including how this work can help our community better understand local heat patterns and inform future planning efforts.
Our Volunteers in Action!
Measurement Day brought together an incredible community of volunteers, students, local leaders, and partners. Thank you to everyone who helped make the first phase of this project a huge success, including George Mason University students, Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, members of the Arlington County Board, and Fairfax and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists.
FACS In the News
- ABC7 News: New study aims to map dangerous heat islands in Northern Virginia
- Alexandria Times: Heat mapping to inform Northern Virginia urban planning
- ALXnow: Teams of local scientists to map ‘extreme heat islands’ in Alexandria and neighboring counties
- ARLnow: 30 Teams of Citizen Scientists to Map Extreme Heat Islands in Northern Virginia on “Measurement Day”
- Capital Weather: Help map Northern Virginia’s urban heat island this summer
- FFXnow: Volunteers begin mapping heat islands across Fairfax County, N. Va.
- FOX 5 News: Volunteers to help gather data to map heat in Northern Virginia
- Vienna Connection: Measuring Heat Islands in Northern Virginia
- WTOP News: Extreme heat meets ‘Measurement Day’ as citizen scientists map weather in Northern Virginia
What’s Next: Climate Crisis Forum & Research Updates
- Because of the strong community interest in this project, our annual Climate Crisis Forum in early October will focus on urban heat islands in Northern Virginia and continue building on this work. A save-the-date announcement is coming soon!
- Researchers, including students, at George Mason University are currently analyzing the data collected to create heat maps of the region. We will continue sharing updates and findings, including how this data can support local planning, public health, and climate resilience.
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About the Author
Andreana Jinjue Lin is FACS’ Communications & Outreach Manager. She leads our community outreach and digital communications.