Skin burn in seconds: Searing sidewalks of US revealed in NASA heat map

Contact burns from hot pavement are an often-overlooked threat during searing heat waves.

A recent NASA map showcases how hot pavement can get in Phoenix, Arizona. Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) found some sidewalks and roads reaching temperatures capable of causing second-degree burns on contact.

“We create these maps to be intuitive to users and help make data more accessible to the public and citizens scientists,” said Glynn Hulley, a JPL climate researcher.

“We see them as a vital tool for planning effective heat interventions, such as tree planting, that can cool down the hottest roads and sidewalks.”

Data from ISS instrument

The map was created using an instrument called ECOSTRESS (Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station), which measures heat radiation emitted by Earth’s land.

Notably, Phoenix is the fifth-most populated city in the US. The map encompassed a network of streets and walkways around the city, exposing how urban landscapes devoid of trees can become heat traps.

The map visualization mainly depicts asphalt and concrete surfaces colored by temperature (yellow, red, and purple).

These surfaces act like giant heat sponges, soaking up and radiating strong heat to dangerously high temperatures (at least 120°F/49°C). As per the NASA release , a single touch may cause burns in seconds during heat waves.

The data highlighted areas like Maryvale and Central City, with limited parks and trees, as experiencing some of the highest surface temperatures. In contrast, neighborhoods with trees, such as Encanto and Camelback East, benefited from a cooling effect.

Surprisingly, the hottest land surface temperature within Phoenix was recorded not on a street or sidewalk but at Sky Harbor International Airport, where it reached a scorching 140°F (60°C).

US may soon get first heat safety rule

Climate change is pushing temperatures higher across the globe, which could worsen the hot pavement problem that plagues many cities. Due to its dark color and material composition, asphalt absorbs 95% of the sun’s radiation.

On hot days, this might easily raise roadway temperatures by 40 to 60 degrees F (22 to 33 degrees C) above the air temperature. If left unchecked, this issue could become even more severe in the future.

Last summer, Phoenix experienced a brutal heatwave, with temperatures reaching 110°F for 54 consecutive days. This blistering heat , as reported by Scientific American , coincided with a significant surge in heat-related burn cases at the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center between June and August 2023.

These burns sometimes require skin grafts and can even be fatal. Children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility are most at risk, along with pets.

As per Reuters, in response to these growing concerns, the Biden administration has proposed a new regulation to protect 36 million American workers from excessive heat. If approved, this regulation could be a major step towards ensuring public safety during the hot summer months.