Prediction of Outdoor Thermal Comfort During Heat Waves Based on Coupled Microclimate Simulations in Various Neighborhoods in Swiss Cities

Urban neighborhoods showing different characteristics and potential for implementing heat mitigation measures are investigated in three cities. Existing situations are numerically modeled with a multiscale approach during heat wave conditions with the aim to identify occurrences and causes of outdoor thermal discomfort. The results show that trees can reduce air temperature depending on wind-flow conditions and improve thermal comfort locally while they may reduce thermal comfort in other areas. Differences are observed among the neighborhoods due to variation in building morphology and density, vegetation cover, street orientation, ventilation paths and pavement and facade materials among other reasons.