Urban heat islands
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) takes into account the influence of temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind to provide a realistic assessment of heat stress on the human body.
The results show that the incorporation of street trees provides shading, which substantially mitigates thermal discomfort by reducing direct solar radiation exposure and lowering surface temperatures. Conversely, the absence of vegetation can exacerbate the risk of overheating, contributing to the UHI effect and increased heat stress for pedestrians, especially in high-density areas.
In the central part of the city, in the area around the National Palace of Culture, the index reaches values around 23.0 °C (marked in green on the map), which is classified as a low level of heat risk and implies minimal discomfort for residents and visitors to these areas. This is due to the significant presence of green areas and vegetation, which effectively regulate the microclimate and assist in cooling the environment.
In contrast, in areas with high levels of development and limited green cover, the WBGT index rises to and above 25.0 °C, which is indicated in orange and red on the map, particularly in some areas around the National Palace of Culture. Such values already signal potential thermal discomfort and increased risk of overheating, especially with prolonged outdoor exposure and physical activity.