Tampa has some of the nation's worst urban heat islands

Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable . It's dangerous.

Driving the news: Tampa is among the nation's worst cities containing urban heat islands (UHI), according to Climate Central's analysis .

• UHIs can make cities less livable and increase the risk of heat-related health complications.

The big picture: Contributing factors driving the UHI index include roads, buildings and parking lots; a reduced percentage of green space with not enough plants to help cool the air; and dense populations.

• "The entire planet is warming due to human-caused climate change, but the built environment further amplifies both average temperatures and extreme heat in cities," per a Climate Central statement announcing the new data.

Zoom in: 87% of Tampa's population — 336,340 people — experience at least 8°F more heat due to the urban heat island effect.