Análise do conforto térmico em Alagoas com o Universal Thermal Climate Index

Abstract

The study addressed the space-time distribution of human thermal comfort in the state of Alagoas, employing the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for the climatological periods of 1961-1990 and 1991-2020. Using daily time series of average air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and mean radiant temperature, UTCI was calculated to estimate the level of thermal comfort in each of the 102 municipalities in Alagoas. The results revealed a trend of increasing UTCI, indicating less favorable thermal conditions for human comfort over the studied years. This space-time analysis allowed for the identification of specific patterns of variation in thermal comfort in different regions and seasons. Climatological normals were analyzed based on their seasonal and annual climatological means, also examining their differences in both climatological periods of 1991-2020 and 1961-1990. Summer and autumn stood out according to climatological normal and UTCI, as the preferred seasons with heat-related risks, while winter and spring were identified as seasons dominated by thermal comfort. The use of daily time series and municipal coverage provided a comprehensive view of climate changes and their implications for thermal comfort, highlighting the increase in average air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and the decrease in relative humidity and wind speed. Thus, providing a valuable foundation for understanding local climate dynamics and emphasizing the importance of adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the growing challenges associated with the increase in UTCI in the state of Alagoas.