Assessing human biometeorological conditions in hot summer days in a world heritage site in Hampi in India.

Abstract

Heritage sites exhibit distinct microclimatic conditions compared to the nearby areas owing to archaeological activities-driven landscape modification and tourism. Such sites are also susceptible to heat stress causing health hazards to tourists and locals. In one such context, this study used data from micrometeorological measurements performed in different sites in a large world heritage precinct (Z-1 & Z-2 are two bazaar streets; one partially shaded and one unshaded respectively, Z-3 ASI modified and Z-4 riverside) in Hampi, Karnataka, India on hot summer days in April 2024. We measured Air Temperature (T_a), Globe Temperature (T_g), Relative Humidity (RH), and Wind Speed (V_a) to assess the biometeorological conditions of each site by calculating Mean Radiant Temperature (T_mrt), Universal Thermal Climate Index(UTCI), and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) for each location. Results show Z-2 (unshaded bazaar street) and Z-4 (riverside) exhibit 2 to 3 °C higher PET and UTCI compared to Z-3 (ASI modified) and Z-1(partially shaded bazaar street). Furthermore, RH is highest in Z-2 (unshaded bazaar street) while lowest in Z-4 (riverside) likely due to higher (T_a). According to UTCI values, Z-1(partially shaded bazaar street) is more comfortable than Z-3 (ASI modified) due to the presence of tree shade. We suggest an appropriate placement of trees can improve the thermal condition in Z-3 (ASI modified). This detailed temporal and spatial climate information can guide the designers and development authorities to improve outdoor thermal conditions in large-scale archaeological sites and further improve the tourist experience.