According to a technical report recently published by NASA, Clarksville is experiencing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect due to losses in tree canopy and increasing development. Roads, parking lots, and buildings all absorb more solar radiation than areas covered by forests or farms. The solar radiation absorbed by these man-made structures increases local temperatures. Because these surfaces retain and slowly dissipate heat, developed areas are significantly hotter at night too. In June, daytime temperatures in Clarksville’s residential areas are typically 15 degrees F hotter than a rural area in Montgomery County. Areas beside major highway corridors are up to 35 degrees F hotter.
Previous research shows that the Urban Heat Island effect can increase risk for those with cardiovascular conditions, increases the risk of heat-related injuries, and can increase air pollution levels.
Using a combination of factors, the report’s authors have generated maps that recommend environmental restoration priorities for areas within Clarksville. In high priority areas, we need to increase tree canopy cover to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect.
Figure 2. Environmental Restoration Priority Map of Clarksville. Credit: Dolbeck, A. et al. 2025. DEVELOP Technical Report here.