Air temperature distribution at pedestrian level in Florence (Italy) through fixed and mobile sensor measurements

The air temperature distribution in a city can be influenced by several factors, such as the distance from the center, presence of green areas and their size, concentration of anthropic activity and urban features. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of air temperature at pedestrian level in the city of Florence and to evaluate, through fixed and mobile air temperature sensors, the influence of courtyards and gardens in order to identify safe areas for tourists and residents during hot days in summer. For this, the city of Florence was divided in different concentric areas and in each of these some air temperature sensors were placed in three different settings: street, courtyard and garden. As a result of this study, higher air temperatures were found in the center of the city and in its vicinity. These zones are even characterized by a smaller quantity of green areas, by a higher number and height of buildings. Moreover, it is in these areas that the higher air temperature differences between streets and gardens were found.