Project Description

As climate change continues to intensify, heat waves are expected to become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more dangerous, posing serious risks to human health and well-being. In states like Connecticut, where residents are less acclimated to prolonged periods of extreme heat, the health impacts can be especially severe. People living in urbanized areas often face even higher temperatures due to the Urban Heat Island Effect, where heat-retaining surfaces like asphalt, dense building materials, and limited green space cause cities to stay warmer than surrounding rural areas.

To better understand local temperature patterns and heat exposure risks, this project deployed a network of wireless heat sensors throughout the City and Town of Groton These sensors, mounted on poles and trees, collect data on air temperature, humidity, and dew point temperature in real-time. The goal is to measure how temperature varies across different neighborhoods, especially in relation to land use, vegetation, and population vulnerability. The data will support local planning efforts to reduce heat-related health risks and promote climate resilience.

Project Timeline: June 2025 – October 2025

Project Goals

The primary objective of this project is to map and identify areas that are more vulnerable to extreme heat and climate conditions, with a focus on understanding how localized temperature differences contribute to community vulnerability. By deploying a network of heat sensors throughout the cities, the project collects real-time data on air temperature, humidity, and heat index, capturing the nuanced variation in heat exposure across different neighborhoods.

This data will be used to:

• Compare neighborhood-scale temperatures to those recorded by the nearest airport weather station, which often underrepresents urban and residential heat conditions.
• Highlight discrepancies between ground-level sensor readings and satellite-derived temperatures, improving the accuracy of vulnerability assessments.
• Support climate-health planning, such as locating or optimizing cooling centers, informing urban forestry and green infrastructure investments, and evaluating the impact of land use on heat exposure.
• Guide equitable climate adaptation efforts by identifying hotspots where residents may face increased risk due to socioeconomic or environmental factors.

This project aims to strengthen community resilience by providing data-driven insights that help towns respond to extreme heat events and long-term warming trends more effectively.

Equipment

Each sensor station includes a HOBO MicroRX data logger, a temperature and humidity smart sensor, and a solar radiation shield. The system is weatherproof and solar-powered, designed for continuous outdoor use. It collects real-time data on air temperature (°F), relative humidity (%), and dew point (°F). The sensor is mounted inside a ventilated shield to protect it from direct sunlight and ensure accurate readings. Data are transmitted via cellular connection to an online dashboard for easy access and analysis.

The Data

The sensors collect real-time data on air temperature (°F), relative humidity (%), and dew point temperature (°F) at street level, approximately 8 to 10 feet above the ground. Measurements are recorded every 10 minutes to capture fine-scale variations throughout the day. The data are transmitted wirelessly and made available through an interactive online dashboard, where users can explore current and past temperature conditions across sensor locations. The sensors do not collect images, audio, or any personal data.

Sensor Placement and Project Partners

Sensor locations were selected through a data-driven and collaborative process grounded in both climate science and local knowledge. The placement strategy was based on the framework developed by Fragomeni et al. (2011) and the WUDAPT methodology to define Local Climate Zones. These zones were overlaid with GIS layers from the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) and CT EJScreen to identify priority areas for monitoring.

The final locations were chosen to ensure coverage of low-income and environmental justice communities, urban heat islands, parks and recreational corridors, and areas near cooling centers and the town’s needs. The site selection process was iterative, involving multiple meetings with local officials to refine sensor placement based on technical feasibility and community relevance.

We thank Megan Granato, Sustainability and Resilience Manager, Alexis Torres, Sustainability and Resilience Specialist at the Town of Groton, and Cierra Patrick, Economic Development Manager at the City of Groton and municipal community partners, for their collaboration and support throughout this project.

 

Do you have any more questions and/or concerns? Contact circa@uconn.edu