~ Bloomington, Indiana - The City of Bloomington has announced plans to install heat sensors throughout the community in an effort to address temperature variations within city limits. The devices, which will be attached to light posts, will measure and monitor heat exposure in selected locations.

The project is being led by Indiana University's Healthy Cities Lab, which will install 13 sensors at various sites across Bloomington. These locations were carefully chosen based on land cover characteristics such as permeability and tree canopy, as well as areas that may be more vulnerable to high heat exposure. The sensors will collect data on temperature, relative humidity, and dew point for a period of 12 months.

According to Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability for the City of Bloomington, understanding the local climate is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect residents from extreme heat. "This sensor network will provide us with continuous and detailed data on temperature variations across Bloomington," said Miya. "This will allow us to make informed decisions on heat mitigation efforts."

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The data collected from the sensors will also help city officials and researchers better understand how the built environment affects local temperatures. This information is essential for identifying urban heat islands and areas where residents may be at higher risk during heat waves. With heat-related deaths increasing by 34% from 2022-2023 according to the Department of Health & Human Services, accurate geographic heat data is crucial for protecting residents during hotter months.

In addition to the installation of these sensors, the City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Environmental Commission will also be collecting air quality data this summer. As part of the NOAA HeatWatch urban heat island mapping event in early August, sensors will gather temperature, humidity, and particulate matter data along predetermined routes throughout the city. There will also be stationary air quality sensors collecting data over a three-week period. Particulate matter consists of ultrafine particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, posing public health risks. Common sources of particulate matter include vehicle emissions, construction activities, and industrial processes.

For more information about this initiative or other heat mitigation efforts, please visit bloomington.in.gov/sustainability or contact shawn.miya@bloomington.in.gov. The City of Bloomington is committed to protecting its residents from extreme heat and ensuring a healthy and sustainable community for all.

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