In just a fraction of a second, a person can suffer a severe burn from the scorching temperatures of asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight. Dr. Kevin Foster, who leads the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, warns that these surfaces can reach surface temperatures as high as 82°C (180°F) on the hottest days.

Phoenix is bracing for another heat wave as forecasters predict soaring temperatures. The U.S. National Weather Service recently reported that the city experienced temperatures above 43°C (115°F) for an uninterrupted 30-day period in July. Meanwhile, Europe has witnessed a series of high temperature records being broken this summer, and many parts of the world are expected to endure major heat waves well into August.

As a result of the soaring temperatures in Phoenix, medical professionals have been attending to numerous patients who sustained burns from contact with scorching surfaces. Even though the recorded air temperature may seem high, surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become much hotter, posing a significant health risk during extreme heat events.

The role of surface temperatures in exacerbating the heat is crucial. During heat waves, surfaces absorb and reflect a substantial amount of the sun's energy, causing their temperatures to rise significantly. This accumulated heat is then transferred to the surrounding air, contributing to an overall increase in the air temperature.

While permeable and moist surfaces like grass or soil absorb less heat, construction materials such as asphalt or concrete can absorb as much as 95% of the sun's energy, which is then radiated back into the surrounding atmosphere.

When the temperature reads 38°C (100°F) on the thermometer, it typically refers to the air temperature measured at a certain height above the surface.

However, it's crucial to be aware that surfaces like asphalt or cement can reach much higher temperatures, exceeding 65°C (149°F) during such hot days, posing a risk of skin burns. To avoid injuries, it's essential to take precautions and be mindful of these surface temperatures.

The process of urban development plays a significant role in creating what is known as "urban heat islands." As cities expand and natural, permeable surfaces are replaced by impermeable structures such as buildings and roads, certain areas within cities experience considerably higher temperatures compared to nearby rural regions.

These urban heat islands also happen to be areas with dense populations, with nearly half of schools and hospitals in European cities situated in such hotspots. This exposes vulnerable populations to potentially dangerous temperatures as climate change continues to worsen, as reported by the European Union's environment agency.

Extreme temperatures in Phoenix and across Europe have led to scorching surfaces, with asphalt and concrete reaching as high as 82°C (180°F) on the hottest days. The city of Phoenix endured a record-breaking 30 consecutive days with temperatures above 43°C (115°F) in July. Forecasters predict another heat wave in Phoenix this week, and major heat waves are expected to persist through August globally.

Dr. Kevin Foster, the director of the Arizona Burn Center, warns that serious burns can occur in just a fraction of a second in such conditions. The elevated temperatures have resulted in a surge of patients being treated for burns from touching surfaces much hotter than the recorded air temperature. Falling on the ground or coming into contact with asphalt and concrete can cause severe burns due to their intense heat.

During extreme heat events like heat waves, surface temperatures play a critical role in affecting the overall air temperature. Surfaces exposed to the sun's energy absorb and reflect heat, leading to significant temperature increases.

Construction materials like asphalt or concrete can absorb up to 95% of the sun's energy, further contributing to the rising temperatures. Permeable surfaces like grass or soil, however, absorb less heat. These factors pose potential health risks during heat waves.

When the thermometer reads 38°C (100°F), it indicates the air temperature measured by meteorologists over a meter above the surface.

However, at this temperature, surfaces like asphalt or cement can reach much higher temperatures, exceeding 65°C (149°F), which can lead to skin burns. It is crucial to be mindful of these surface temperatures and take necessary precautions to prevent injuries.

The process of urban development has a profound impact on the landscape, replacing natural and permeable surfaces with impermeable structures like buildings and roads. This transformation creates "urban heat islands," areas within cities that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to nearby rural regions.

These urban heat islands are often densely populated, with a concentration of schools and hospitals. In Europe, nearly half of the schools and hospitals in cities are situated in these heat islands, exposing vulnerable populations to health-threatening temperatures as the effects of climate change worsen, according to the European Union's environment agency.

Cities with 1 million or more people can experience annual mean air temperatures 1 to 3°C (1.8 to 5.4°F) warmer than their surrounding areas, and this difference can reach as high as 12°C (22°F) during calm nights.

Urban heat islands are formed due to factors like limited green spaces, obstructive urban geometry, and heat-absorbing surfaces, which raise temperatures significantly. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing cooler and more sustainable cities.

Thermal satellite images reveal cities' thermal profiles, highlighting the impact of green spaces in countering high temperatures.

Even small parks can make a significant difference, as demonstrated by Athens, Greece, where "pocket parks" have transformed once neglected areas into charming green spaces.

Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis emphasizes their role in improving quality of life and reducing temperatures within the city. These insights help strike a balance between urban development and the integration of green spaces to create cooler and more sustainable cities.