Hottest Day on Earth: insights from VARCITIES Health and Well-Being Platform
July 2024

Sunday, 21st July 2024, was recorded as the hottest day on Earth by Copernicus Climate Change Service. This extreme heat event poses significant risks to the health and well-being of urban residents. VARCITIES Health and Well-Being Platform provides insights into how these unprecedented temperatures may affect VARCITIES’ seven pilot sites.
- Castelfranco Veneto saw moderately high temperatures (average at 26.38°C, with peaks as high as 40°C around midday) and significant solar radiation. The elevated NO2 levels recorded, however, may have detrimental impacts on air quality and public health.
- Chania recorded the highest temperatures among the pilot sites, with an average temperatures at 30.54°C, and recorded peaks well above 42°C, with extremely high solar radiation and UV index as well as concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) posing severe risks of heat-related illnesses and skin conditions, and respiratory conditions.
- Dundalk recorded cooler temperatures (average temperature at 12.42°C with a recorded peak at 20.80°C at 3pm), with good air quality, though poor indoor air quality was noted.
- In Gzira, temperatures reach around 35°C on average with high humidity and significant solar radiation.
- Leuven experienced moderate temperatures (average temperature at 17.03°C with a recorded peak at 25.00°C at 2.30pm) with no significant dust concentration, indicating relatively clean air.
- Novo Mesto experienced moderate temperatures (average at 20.93°C, with peaks at around 29°C in the early afternoon) and relatively high humidity, with air quality being a concern due to particulate matter concentrations.
- Despite being one of the cooler sites with average temperatures at 13.34°C and recorded peak at around 23°C in the morning, Skelleftea experienced higher CO2 levels (4848 ppm)
The data from VARCITIES Health and Well-Being Platform reveal that each pilot site faced this event differently, with unique challenges linked with their climate classification, and the typology of their pilot site.

Sensor data from Chania on 21/07/2024
The record-breaking temperatures on 21st July 2024 highlight the urgent need to address climate change and enhance urban resilience. Our project showcases the potential of Visionary Solutions integrating digital, social and nature-based interventions in mitigating heat impacts and improving urban health and well-being. However, continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies are crucial to effectively protect urban populations from future extreme weather events, which we aim to support with our Health & Well-Being Plaform.
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