IU's Healthy Cities Lab will begin installing sensors around Bloomington on Monday to measure heat and prevent related health issues.
Data from the 13 sensors will inform the city where to focus heat mitigation. Bloomington Assistant Director of Sustainability Shawn Miya said areas without greenery can be up to 20 degrees hotter than areas with foliage.
“We want to see that temperature distribution across the city,” Miya said. “And that will help us know where our hotspots are and to develop cooling strategies.”
Miya said these strategies include sheltering bus stops and creating cooling stations, as well as planting trees and other vegetation.
Extreme heat can cause health issues, something Miya experienced herself.
“On one really hot, humid evening, I went for a hike with a friend,” Miya said. “And I was fine one minute, and then the next minute, I fainted.”
She said she needed seven stitches above her left eye from the fall. Because of that, Miya said she wants to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and implement strategies to keep people cool.
Watch: Millions face record-breaking temperatures amid heat wave | PBS News Hour
CORRECTION: This story previously said that the City of Bloomington would install the sensors. This was incorrect. Healthy Cities is the team working on this project.