Air temperature monitoring has started again this summer – the RDKB is comparing two site, separated by a city block, to see what the air temperature difference is between a site shaded by large deciduous trees and one that has no tree coverage here in the Boundary.

A big thank you to School District #51 for your ongoing support with the project.

The RDKB is monitoring the air temperature close to Perley Elementary School (highway lined with large shade trees) and comparing this to the air temperature at the Grand Forks Secondary School Tennis Courts (area with no trees). A sunlight deflector has been used at each site to reduce the impact of direct solar radiation on the sensor.

The shaded tree site is showing to be anywhere from 2 to 4.5°C cooler compared to the non-shaded tree site during the hottest part of the day. Realizing there is a difference in air movement between these two sites plus lawn watering, the data still shows a consistent cooler temperature during the hottest parts of the day, and warmer during the coolest.

As we know all to well, high air temperatures can have a significant negative impact on human health and enjoyment. The more shade trees we can get established in our communities the better. Shade trees can reduce the intensity of the summer heat while providing ecosystem and biodiversity benefits.

Two articles looking at (1) heat impact on humans (shown above) and (2) the many benefits of shade trees: https://www.nwf.org/Trees-for-Wildlife/About/Trees-Make-a-Difference.