SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — City bus stops frequently experience higher temperatures than standing on an asphalt road during periods of extreme heat, data showed Thursday.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) conducted temperature measurements at eight locations within Seoul’s Songpa District, 1.5 meters above ground level, on six occasions spanning July and August.
The results revealed that bus stop temperatures exceeded those of asphalt roads, even when the bus stops were equipped with covers and shading.
Bus stops are encircled by asphalt roads and are positioned within the median of bus lanes. Despite their partially enclosed structure, bus stops suffer from limited airflow, exacerbating the elevated temperatures.
Contrary to expectations, the temperature recorded 1.5 meters above the asphalt road was comparatively lower due to improved air circulation in open spaces, as stated by the KMA.
Urban residential zones were found to be 2.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter than parks, attributed to their positioning amidst buildings and asphalt-covered roads.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
