The City of Bloomington Installs Sensors to Monitor Urban Temperatures and Air Quality

The City of Bloomington will begin installing heat sensors across the community in the coming weeks. The devices, attached to light posts, will measure and monitor heat exposure to address temperature variation within city limits.

Indiana University’s Healthy Cities Lab will install 13 sensors at selected locations across Bloomington. These sites were chosen based on land cover characteristics, such as permeability or tree canopy, and areas potentially vulnerable to high heat exposure. The sensors will measure temperature, relative humidity, and dew point for 12 months.

"Understanding the nuances of our local climate is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect our residents from extreme heat," said Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability. "This sensor network will provide us with continuous, detailed data on temperature variations across Bloomington, allowing us to make informed decisions on heat mitigation efforts."

The data collected will help city officials and researchers understand how the built environment influences local temperatures. This information is essential for identifying urban heat islands and areas where residents may be at higher risk during heat waves. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, heat-related deaths increased by 34% from 2022-2023. Accurate geographic heat data will aid in protecting residents during hotter months.

The City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Environmental Commission will also collect air quality data this summer. During the NOAA HeatWatch urban heat island mapping event in early August, sensors will gather temperature, humidity, and particulate matter data along predetermined routes throughout the city. Additionally, stationary air quality sensors will collect data over a three-week period. Particulate matter consists of ultrafine particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, posing public health risks. Common sources of particulate matter include vehicle emissions, construction activities, and industrial processes.

For more information about this initiative or other heat mitigation efforts, please visit bloomington.in.gov/sustainability or contact shawn.miya@bloomington.in.gov.