Heat is now the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. — with 12,000 lives claimed annually — and this number is expected to increase significantly by the turn of the century.

In large cities, temperatures in the summer can reach even higher than normal due to the “urban heat island” effect. 

New data compiled by the nonprofit American Forests and the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation identifies areas in cities across the United States that lack enough protection from the sun.  These areas are known as “shade deserts.” 

The new shade map covers more than 100 of the country’s biggest urban areas, including Detroit.

One effective way to stay cooler is by increasing shade, especially through planting trees, which can reduce the effects of high temps significantly. But according to American Forests a lack of shade in Detroit — especially at bus stops and along roadways — is harming thousands. 

Less than 60% of households in Detroit have air conditioning, said Chris David, vice president of GIS & Data Science at American Forests. Additionally, he says those using public and alternative transit are even more at risk of heat-related illness and death. 

“I think there’s about 5,000 bus stops in Detroit,” David said. “About 90% of those 5,000 bus stops have poor shade.” 

He says bus shelters provide “very little” sun protection, with only about 5% of bus stops in the city covered.  

“That means we estimated about 85,000 daily transit riders in Detroit….they’re left exposed to the sun when they’re waiting for the bus… and that can have dire effects,” David said.

David says Detroit will benefit from a strategic plan to increase the tree canopy, with groups like the Greening of Detroit working toward that goal in partnership with city government. 

You can view the American Forests/UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation shade map here. 

This story is part of WDET’s ongoing series, The Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Michigan has seen some extreme weather the past few weeks, with temperatures rising recently into the upper 90s and a heat index pushing 100 degrees.

Older adults are more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke during these periods of extreme heat.

Temperatures are expected to remain high this week in metro Detroit. The National Weather Service is projecting a high of 88 degrees on the Fourth of July, and a high of 94 degrees over the holiday weekend. 

Dr. Pragnesh Patel, chief of the Division of Geriatrics at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, says older adults are some of the most vulnerable to becoming ill from extreme heat.

“With aging, there are changes, and they have multiple comorbid conditions that can put them at risk from higher temperature,” he said. “That can lead to some serious consequences if they don’t take precautions.”

Some of these illnesses include heat exhaustion, which can then lead to heat stroke, a dangerous condition where the body can no longer control its temperature’

Heat exhaustion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, cramps and elevated body temperature. Patel says in addition to these symptoms, people with heat stroke can run a high fever of 104 degrees or more and not perspire.

“Despite the excessive high temperatures, you’re not able to dissipate that heat through the sweating mechanism. And they also become very confused, become disoriented, have rapid heartbeat, palpitations and shallow breathing — just a severe form of exhaustion,” he said.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If left untreated, it can cause permanent disability or death.

Staying hydrated is among the best ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. Patel says older adults should stay hydrated even if they may not feel thirsty. He also suggested that people stay indoors in cool areas, wear lighter, loose-fitting clothing, and reduce caffeine intake.

He says older adults are often hospitalized for dehydration, which is why they should take extra precautions during extreme heat events.

“They come with symptoms of heat stroke, and a lot of older folks are susceptible to this because they also have other conditions, or they may be taking medications that puts them at higher risk,” Patel said.

People can call 2-1-1 or their local health department to find a nearby cooling center.