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New NASA heat map shows scorching pavement can burn skin in seconds, getting worse
Climate Chat

New NASA heat map shows scorching pavement can burn skin in seconds, getting worse

By July 22, 2024No Comments

As global temperatures continue to rise, an often overlooked but increasingly dangerous consequence is the heating of asphalt surfaces, especially in urban areas. Under the blazing summer sun, pavement temperatures can rise to levels capable of causing second-degree burns.

It’s happening in the sizzling deserts like Arizona, but also happening here in Florida too.

According to Scientific American, amid temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on July 3, 2023, 70-year-old Bob Woolley stumbled while walking across his backyard in the Phoenix area and fell on its rocky surface.

“I touched the ground hoping to catch myself, and I was startled by how hot and painful the rocks were,” he said at press conference on July 2, 2024. “I tried pushing up with my hands, and it was so painful, I couldn’t keep my hands in contact with the ground for an effectively long enough time to move. They just kept burning.”

He added, “I looked at my hands, and the skin had peeled off my palms like the skin from an onion.” He tried pushing up with his forearms—but they burned, too, turning “charcoal black,” he said.

Woolley underwent several intense surgeries to remove the burned skin and receive skin grafts, making even the recovery process excruciatingly painful.

Incidents like Woolley’s are becoming increasingly common, highlighting a heat risk that health professionals warn is often underestimated: contact burns from scorching pavement.

As climate change drives temperatures higher, this danger could escalate in many cities worldwide.

In Florida too

It’s happening in Florida too. NBC2 in Ft. Myers reported in 2021 that a Fort Myers man received a harsh reminder of how hot asphalt can get in Florida during the summer when he suffered severe burns on his feet. Rob Whyte was preparing to dock his boat at the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp in Lee County after a fishing tournament.

To stay dry, he took off his shoes and socks and left them on the boat. His major blunder came when he forgot where he had parked his truck. Standing in the middle of the parking lot with nowhere to go, he quickly felt his toes burning.“I was on the asphalt for less than two minutes, and it really damaged the bottom of my feet,” Whyte said.
When he finally reached his truck, he experienced an unusual sensation.“When I got back to the truck, my feet were literally sliding in my own skin,” Whyte recalled.
For the best care, Whyte and his wife were sent to a burn unit in Miami. They rushed across the state, and Rob underwent surgery early the next morning. He sustained second-degree burns on 35% of his foot.

New NASA map

A new NASA map of pavement temperatures in Phoenix highlights the extent of this danger. The map, created with data from the Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) aboard the International Space Station, captured readings around 1 P.M. local time on June 19, 2024.

It reveals areas where asphalt and concrete reached at least 120°F (49°C), shown in yellow, with many roads exceeding 140°F (60°C), marked in purple.

How to protect yourself and your pets

To protect yourself from hot pavement in summer, you can take several precautions:
  1. Wear Proper Footwear: Opt for shoes with thick, heat-resistant soles. Sandals or flip-flops can be risky as they offer less protection from hot surfaces.
  2. Walk on Shaded Areas: Stick to areas with shade or grassy patches whenever possible to avoid direct contact with the hot pavement.
  3. Check the Temperature: Use the back of your hand to test the pavement before stepping onto it. If it feels too hot, find an alternative route.
  4. Use Pavement Protection Products: Some products, like foot mats or shoe covers designed for hot conditions, can help protect your feet.
  5. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay off the pavement during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Keeping yourself well-hydrated helps regulate your body temperature and can prevent burns or other heat-related issues.
  7. Protect Pets’ Paws: If you’re walking your dog, make sure they have protection too. Pet booties or walking on grass can help prevent paw burns.

What can we do going forward in a warming climate?

City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services painting streets white for cooling via deMilked

Cities can target heat reduction efforts, such as planting trees that shade pavement where possible or even painting streets white.

The risk of pavement burns is greatest for babies, young children, and the elderly due to their limited ability to quickly move away from hot surfaces. The unhoused population is also particularly vulnerable.

Those pavement temperatures in Arizona can easily soar to 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t far from boiling. It only takes a fraction of a second to sustain a severe burn with surfaces that hot.

CAC commitment

By recognizing the imminent threats and taking decisive action, we can work towards preserving these vital coastal areas for future generations, ensuring they continue to provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits, and protecting our Florida way of life. The CAC is committed to this discussion and helping our community and its leaders adapt to our warming climate.

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