Kyle Blount co-authored two studies offering practical guidance for cities facing extreme heat and urban water challenges. A Remote Sensing study shows that combining high-resolution surface-temperature maps with sun/shade information can predict street-level air temperatures — shade-adjusted surface temps explained roughly 70% of local variation and shaded surfaces were up to 36°F cooler. A companion national paper calls on urban hydrology to integrate physical science, policy, social systems and environmental justice to guide resilient, equitable planning.
Shade Is Key: Simple, Low-Cost Ways Cities Can Cool Streets and Rethink Urban Water
Kyle Blount, an assistant professor of ecohydrology in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Illinois Springfield, has co-authored two research articles that offer new guidance for cities and researchers managing extreme heat and water challenges.
Kyle Blount, an assistant professor of ecohydrology at the University of Illinois Springfield, co-authored two complementary research papers offering practical guidance for cities managing extreme heat and urban water challenges. One study (Remote Sensing, May) presents a straightforward, low-cost method to predict how hot neighborhoods feel at street level. A second, national synthesis (Water Resources Research, November) argues that urban hydrology must better integrate science, policy and social equity to serve diverse, growing cities.
Key Findings From the Portland Study
Shade-Adjusted Surface Temperatures Predict Street-Level Air Temperature. By combining high-resolution surface-temperature maps with information about sun and shade patterns, researchers accurately estimated local air temperatures without complex models or large sensor networks.
Strong Statistical Relationship. In an analysis of 12 residential blocks in Portland, Oregon, shade-adjusted surface temperatures explained about 70% of the variation in street-level air temperatures.
Shade Dramatically Lowers Surface Temperatures. Pavement and rooftops measured as much as 36°F (20°C) cooler in shaded conditions, making shade the most effective cooling factor studied.
“Our study shows cities can understand and manage heat without complicated technology or expensive monitoring programs,” Blount said. “By looking closely at where shade falls and what materials make up a neighborhood, we can see which areas will be hottest and take action to cool them.”
Broader Implications From the National Paper
The Water Resources Research paper synthesizes perspectives from researchers across North America and calls for a shift in urban hydrology: connect engineered infrastructure with soils, vegetation, community engagement and governance. The authors emphasize integrating physical science, public policy, social systems and environmental justice so research better supports equitable, resilient decision-making.
Practical Pathways. Together, the two studies offer immediate, implementable steps (e.g., prioritizing shade and material choices) and longer-term research directions to reduce heat risks and improve water management in cities.
Read the studies: Remote Sensing (May) at mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/11/1932 and Water Resources Research (November) at doi.org/10.1029/2025WR040212.
This story was produced by Janis Reeser (jreeser@usatodayco.com) with assistance from artificial intelligence; journalists were involved in every step of reporting, review and editing. Learn more about the ethical process at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
