Satellite Mapping of Urban Air Overheating Risk (Case Study of Helsinki, Finland)

An algorithm is proposed and a methodology is developed for satellite mapping of the risks (probabilities) of exceeding of the minimum mortality temperature by the average daily air temperature. Knowledge of these risks makes it possible to map the economic damage in cities from the increase in the number of deaths caused by overheating. The urgency of the problem is determined by the observed global warming. The city of Helsinki (Finland) is chosen as the object of the study. A series of 32 infrared scenes from Landsat satellites and the results of standard observations at the WMO ID 2978 and METAR EFHK Vantaa (airport) urban weather stations for the period 2007-2019 are used for the study. A map of the risk of exceeding the minimum mortality temperature as a result of urban overheating is created for the city of Helsinki. The heterogeneity of the spatial distribution of risks is shown. Industrial areas are characterized by high risks of overheating of the urban environment, while in recreational areas the risks are minimal. It is noted that the obtained results can be used as information support of the management decision-making system aimed at early countering of threats to environmental security due to overheating of the urban environment as a result of global warming.