SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Our first shot of summertime heat is upon us, but some areas get warmer than others. Meteorologist Adam Rutt explains why.
We’re well within our first shot of hot weather across KELOLAND, and while we’ve at least avoided the humidity that comes with the dog days of summer for now, we are seeing an example of how some parts of the region get warmer than others.
Beyond the topographical differences that can play a factor, as well as dried out ground due to drought, there’s also a phenomenon that occurs not just in KELOLAND, but across much of the country.
It’s called the Urban Heat Dome effect. On hot days like Monday, we all receive the sun’s heat as it comes through the atmosphere and reaches the surface. In more urban settings where pavement and cement are more prevalent, temperatures will tend to climb higher due to the pavement’s ability to heat up faster than bare ground.
Once the pavement gets hold of that heat, it doesn’t release it as easily or as quickly as the ground is able to, and thus that heat lingers for a longer period of time. As a result, cities and other urban areas can be anywhere from four to eight degrees warmer than non-urban areas.
While that difference is on the lower side of the scale when we talk about smaller cities, it is still a noticeable difference all the same. Regardless of whether you’re in an urban environment or not, heat is still heat…so do what you can to stay cool and hydrated.
