Abstract This study quantifies how traffic congestion influences the surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) in Chicago using GOES LST data and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus speed data. While SUHII is characterized by a well pronounced diurnal cycle that peaks around noon, we observed changes in strength of SUHII that were correlated with changes in traffic speed. This leads to distinct weekend and rush hour effects on SUHII. Citywide, we observed a statistically significant correlation in which each 10 mph decrease in bus speed is associated with an increase of 0.36°C in SUHII. That effect is stronger in highly vegetated, lowâbuilding areas, where trafficâemitted waste heat is more dominant than other anthropogenic sources. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating congestion metrics into urban heat research, offering new insights for planners and policymakers seeking to mitigate local thermal extremes.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: August 18, 2025 06:15 PM
Atmospheric COâ
425.4 ppm
+18.4
ppm/year
Atmospheric CHâ
1934.91 ppb
+9.11
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year