Applications of the Universal Thermal Climate Index UTCI in Biometeorology: Latest Developments and Case Studies - Eduardo L Krüger

This book brings readers up-to-date with the latest applications, testing, and studies of the UTCI and is the key book on outdoor thermal comfort index. The application of thermal comfort indices in outdoor environments, such as pedestrianized streets, urban squares, and parks, provides valuable insights for urban planners. These insights support efforts to create improved conditions for residents while offering a comprehensive assessment of perceived thermal comfort and thermal stress. Such assessments are critical in addressing various concerns related to health, safety, and biometeorology, particularly in the context of heatwaves and future climate projections. More advanced applications within urban climatology utilize these index results as essential indicators of benefits or hazards stemming from changes in urban morphology, vegetation, and water bodies. The indices aggregate important meteorological data—including air temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and solar radiation—into a single value, which can then be assessed on categorical scales that indicate the anticipated level of human thermal comfort or stress.

The original book outlined the applications of the UTCI in Human Biometeorology and Urban Planning. Acknowledging the necessity for reliable indices to support climate-responsive urban planning, it summarized the foundational concepts of the UTCI and presented case studies by the author and colleagues, alongside a contemporary literature review of its applications in biometeorology. Over the last two decades, the climate crisis has become increasingly pressing, highlighting the significance of research on Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC) in urban centers. This area of study plays a crucial role in enhancing the liveability of cities and safeguarding the health and safety of urban residents during extreme weather events and heatwaves. In response to this need, updating the original publication to incorporate more compelling examples of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) is timely and relevant.

Chapter 10 of this book is available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license at link.springer.com