Research from Weber State helps plan for rising summer temps
OGDEN, Utah — For many cities, summer means sunbaked sidewalks and asphalt that radiate the day’s heat.
This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, is the focus of new research by Dan Bedford, a geography professor at Weber State University.
“Urban areas heat up more than the surrounding countryside,” Bedford said. “Research has reached the point where we can measure how and why this varies block by block. I was really curious to see what kind of patterns we would find in Ogden.”
Bedford partnered with the city to place 14 thermometers on lamp posts along 24th and 25th streets, between Washington Boulevard and Wall Avenue, and on several connecting streets. 
He focused on downtown Ogden, since it’s the hub for Farmers Market Ogden, Ogden Twilight, and other popular summertime outdoor activities.
The thermometers recorded temperatures every 15 minutes from June through September 2025.
During the Farmers Market, which is held throughout the summer from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the hottest recorded temperatures along 25th Street averaged 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Peak afternoon temperatures on 25th Street during the study hit 102 degrees.
“Summers are, unfortunately, not getting any cooler,” Bedford said. “Now is the time to plan for extreme heat.”
Bedford said his data can help with that planning, informing decisions like where to focus efforts and how to maximize comfort in outdoor spaces.
Lorenzo Long, Ogden City’s sustainability coordinator, collaborated on the research. He said the data helped the city develop messaging and strategies for Ogden’s forthcoming general plan, which addresses growth and a vision for the city’s future.
“This work continues to influence city conversations,” Long said. “I’m grateful for the time spent and expertise provided by Dr. Bedford, and I look forward to future collaborations with Weber State that benefit Ogden residents, students, businesses, and visitors, making our city more resilient for decades to come."
The research has also provided WSU students with opportunities to dive deeper.
Hailey Swanson, a geography student, mapped the data for her geographic information systems class, showing that blocks between Grant, Lincoln, and Wall avenues tend to get the warmest.
This summer, Swanson is using a grant from Weber State’s Office of Undergraduate Research to continue her study. This funding, offered with support from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, will allow her to analyze shade options and compare which structures or foliage reduce temperatures most effectively.
She said Bedford’s guidance and encouragement motivated her to continue exploring this topic: “He is an amazing teacher, and he does really care about his students and higher education.”
Bedford plans to have more students participate as he expands his research. Since air temperature is only one variable affecting summer heat, next steps include measuring additional factors, such as humidity, wind speed, and sun exposure.
“Even really dry heat, like Utah’s, can be lethal if it gets hot enough,” Bedford said. “It’s not time to sound the alarms, but let’s start planning so that we head off the worst.”
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu