San Antonio officials are increasing efforts to reduce temperature differences between neighborhoods, where some areas can be more than 10 degrees hotter than others. The city has released a Heat Resilience Playbook outlining more than 50 strategies to address extreme heat.

The city used heat maps and temperature sensors to identify neighborhoods most affected by the urban heat island effect. The four hottest areas are located in City Council Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5. Laura Patiño, the city's director of resilience and sustainability, said, "Those neighborhoods experience the highest social vulnerability, have the lowest amount of tree canopy and are pretty industrial."

To mitigate these conditions, the city has planted trees, increased shade, tested cool pavement, and installed reflective roofs on homes in target communities. The Cool Roofs Program, offered through the Neighborhood & Housing Services Department, installs white shingles designed to reflect the sun's heat and reduce indoor temperatures. Sensors installed on streets and at homes monitor temperatures to determine whether improvements are lowering surface and air temperatures.

The Heat Resilience Playbook includes strategies for expanding tree canopy, increasing shaded areas, improving emergency response during heat events, and investing in cooling infrastructure. The city is expanding access to drinking water, providing cooling fans, weatherizing homes, and educating residents about the dangers of extreme heat. "The data and the science do tell us that using these types of interventions can lead to a 10-degree or more difference," Patiño said.