Yes, it’s hot in Johnson County. With predicted highs this week expected to be near or over 100, everyone is talking about it.
But if you live in Johnson or Wyandotte County and you’re tired of just talking, scientists are offering a chance to take action.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has made these two counties a part of its long-range study of heat islands in urban areas.
“Citizen scientists” are being enlisted to locate area hot spots so future community leaders can perhaps figure out a way to make them cooler.
The heat mapping campaign is being overseen by local health and environment departments in each county.
It’s already started with an interactive map of potential heat islands. It will continue in mid-August with volunteers driving routes to measure the temperatures in some of those areas.
Here’s what to know about the heat mapping effort and how to get involved:
When does it start?
There’s already information up on the Johnson County website with instructions on how to add a location to an interactive map.
The location could be any place you would avoid because of how hot it gets on the hottest days.
Those hot spots will then be used by the project’s organizers to draw routes to record conditions on a predetermined day.
How are temperatures measured?
If you have flexibility in your schedule and access to a car you can volunteer to be a route driver or navigator.
The data collection will take place on a predetermined “campaign” day that is tentatively set for August 12.
The weather has to cooperate, though, with sun, temperatures above 89 degrees, low wind and a low chance of rain.
If those conditions aren’t met, the backup days are Aug. 11, 18 or 19.
On the designated day, drivers and navigators will follow an assigned route using a sensor held in place by the car window.
The sensor picks up ambient temperature, location and humidity for every second driven.
The routes are driven three times on campaign day, from 6-7 a.m., from 3-4 p.m. and from 7-8 p.m.
Drivers can volunteer for individual shifts or all three.
Volunteers get a $30 gift card, with an option to decline if they don’t want it. Drivers get an additional gift card to compensate for mileage.
What are the requirements for volunteers?
Volunteers need to be 18 or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Additionally, drivers need a valid, non-restricted drivers license, access to a car and auto insurance.
Those younger than 18 can also participate. Ages 14 and up can be navigators and children younger than that can become “honorary volunteers,” receiving a certificate but not a gift card.
All volunteers have to sign a waiver for themselves and their children.
There’s also a mandatory one-hour orientation session for volunteers to learn the procedures and equipment.
The particulars on those sessions come in emails after signing up, but they are expected to take place toward the end of July.
Has this heat mapping study been done before?
NOAA is in the seventh year of conducting heat mapping studies throughout the country.
There are 18 communities in 14 states participating this year, as well as one international city — Santiago, Chile.
Why are counties doing this?
Heat islands can be as much as 20 degrees hotter than surrounding areas.
They’re related to human-caused conditions such as development, lack of trees, exposure to pollution and paved surfaces, wrote Brian Alferman and Jackson Ward, Johnson County leaders for this project.
The increased temperatures result in more heat-related illnesses.
The data from the study is expected to give a clearer picture to local leaders on areas that need special attention. For example, past campaigns have helped policy makers develop heat action plans, tree planting strategies and locations for public transit shelters, according to NOAA.
The federal agency also suggests green roofs, cool surfaces and varied building heights, among other things, as ways to address overheated areas.
There’s also a social justice element. Previous heat studies have shown a relationship between heat islands and neighborhoods that have been disinvested through redlining and other discriminatory practices.
The heat mapping program is included in President Joe Biden’s climate and clean energy solution efforts for disadvantaged communities. Extra weight was given to cities and counties that stressed their commitment to environmental justice.
What will it cost?
NOAA will give $10,000 each to Johnson and Wyandotte County.
That pays for mapping and analysis of 100 square miles in each county.
Johnson County will contribute another $12,000 for an additional 200 square miles in Johnson County.
Next step:
If you’re interested in volunteering for Johnson County’s heat mapping campaign, you can fill out this online interest form.
Roxie Hammill is a freelance journalist who reports frequently for the Post and other Kansas City area publications. You can reach her at roxieham@gmail.com.
