"When meteorologists predict temperatures will be in the low 90s in downtown Los Angeles, it's a given the mercury will reach the high 90s or triple digits in many parts of the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire."
"But what is not predicted, nor recorded, are 10- to 20-degree higher spikes in micro-climate pockets called heat islands - areas of concrete and asphalt that have few shade trees and radiate heat.
This newly recognized phenomenon can occur in denser, lower-income communities, such as El Monte, La Puente and Valinda, usually on city streets or residential neighborhoods, scientists say. For example, El Monte has a 5 percent tree canopy - compared to an average tree canopy rate of around 37 percent for Los Angeles County.
The heat island effect is a combined result of global climate change and urbanization. New evidence suggests these events are responsible for an increasing number of cases of heat stroke and death."
Steve Scauzillo reports for the Whittier Daily News June 30, 2012.
