Published on 27 June 2026
On a warm day, the city is often a few degrees hotter than the green areas outside it. That’s due to the urban heat-island effect. What exactly is it, and why is it getting worse?
What is the heat-island effect?
Stone, asphalt, concrete and roofs absorb a lot of solar heat during the day and slowly release it in the evening and at night. There’s also little greenery or water to cool things down, and buildings block the wind. As a result, the city stays warm for longer — even at night, when your body should be recovering.
Why is it getting worse?
Two trends reinforce each other. Climate change makes heatwaves more frequent, longer and hotter. And as it gets warmer, more air conditioners run, blowing warm air outside and consuming energy — which heats the city further. That’s how a vicious circle forms.
What can you do about it?
In the short term, it helps to dodge the heat smartly:
- Head to a cooled, public place during the day — for example a library, museum or shopping centre.
- Avoid the hottest hours outside and drink enough water.
- Use cooling that already exists instead of buying your own, saving both energy and money.
Waar Is Airco shows you at a glance where those cool, air-conditioned places are near you.