Stadt-Thermometer Winterthur

City Residents Measure Heat Islands

In the heart of Winterthur, the innovative citizen science project 'Stadt-Thermometer' began in summer 2023, examining the urban microclimate. Residents are equipping their outdoor spaces, ranging from forecourts to gardens and balconies, with measuring stations to record temperatures during the summer months. The project aims to improve understanding of the heat island effect, which is intensified by climate change, particularly in relation to the microclimate. The collected data will provide insights into how densely built-up areas heat up compared to their surroundings, and whether this data can be compared with that from the cities' fixed measurement networks.

Awareness and Sensor Data

The 'Stadt-Thermometer' project is a great example of how citizen science can help solve complex environmental problems. Active public participation not only raises awareness of local climate issues, but also generates valuable data for scientists and government bodies.

Participants receive technical support and their own measurement station, enabling them to independently measure the temperature in their outdoor area. This hands-on approach fosters an understanding of the urban climate and empowers citizens to contribute to ongoing research in climate adaptation.

Open Data on Urban Climate

Data collected through the 'Stadt- Thermometer' project is published on a publicly accessible platform, enabling all interested parties to view the results. This level of transparency enables the community to gain insights into temperature distribution across the city, raising awareness of the impact of heat islands in the process.

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