Wind Modification and Aerodynamic Parameters: Supporting Heat Stress Research for a Resilient Urban Environment

Abstract

Understanding wind profiles in urban areas is vital for various applications including urban planning and environmental science. This study aims to characterise the modification of wind profiles in The Heat Square through anemometer observations, focusing on the influence of building morphology. Previous studies have endorsed methodologies that consider building height variability. Still, our results suggest that rule-of-thumb morphometric methods based on average building height offer closer anemometric estimates in this specific urban setting. Unfortunately, the lack of inertial sublayer (ISL) wind speed measurements constrains the generalizability of our findings. Additionally, sub-optimal anemometer installation height poses another limitation to the study. Despite these constraints, the results should serve as reasonable estimates for modelling efforts concerning heat flux and heat stress. The study strongly recommends further research to address existing limitations, aiming to generate more reliable field estimates, particularly for The Heat Square and The Green Village.