Study shows heat affects Augusta more than other places in Georgia

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This week is bringing us some of the hottest temperatures so far this year.

Like other cities, Augusta experiences the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas absorb more heat then rural areas because of buildings, roads and other dark surfaces.

Augusta is known as one of the hottest spots in Georgia, and a study was done by UGA on the urban heat island effect in our area.

“Compared to other cities in Georgia, it’s bad. So it’s probably one of the worst in Georgia. So if you were thinking from a state perspective, where would you have the most impact in Georgia, Augusta would be a good place,” said Dr. Patricia Yager, director, Georgia Climate Project, UGA professor.

Many trees were lost in Helene, and recently, downtown Augusta saw the remaining trees cut down.

The loss of trees in our city will worsen the urban heat island effect.

“If you add trees in Augusta, the trees that were there before Helene one or two years ago, were contributing to all kinds of good things, not just the temperature, water storm runoff, air pollution, and other things,” said Yager.

Excess heat in our environment can also lead to more health concerns.

Heat is really bad for the human body, and there is all kinds of data on both chronic illness due to heat and infectious diseases getting worse in the heat, waterborne diseases, tick, mosquito bites,“ said Yager.

Yager is working with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition to create solutions to this growing problem.

Trees are obviously the number one solution, but not the solution for everywhere and everything, so they also talk about green roofs, cool roofs, cool pavements and smart growth,” said Yager.

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