UNR says that 2024 was the hottest year on record in the area.

The University of Nevada, Reno says that heat is Nevada's most deadly weather pattern.

They say Nevada recorded nearly 500 heat-related deaths last year.

"It's concerning because we know that these trends are going to push forward in years to come," said Thomas Albright, Deputy State Climatologist, UNR.

Albright says that 2024 was the hottest year on record.

The university set out on a Reno-Sparks Heat Mapping Project to see which areas are most impacted.

On August 10, the university, climate scientists with the Desert Research Institute and more than one hundred volunteers went out to record the data.

They tested temperatures for morning, afternoon and evening.

The term "urban heat island" describes urbanized areas with more development, and less green space.

They tend to be hotter than other areas.

Notably, the hotter parts of the region are near Sparks, particularly the north and east sides of Sparks.

However, areas like Mount Rose Highway are cooler, because of higher elevations and having more trees.

"It's going to affect different communities of people doing, working, living in different places, differently because of that," Albright said.

Albright says the map also shows where heat changes based on location throughout the day.

"So we get temperature inversions," Albright said. "For example southwest Reno is actually warmer at the beginning of the day sometimes than the valley bottoms."

So, what can we do about the rising heat?

Albright says there are things such as planting more trees, minimizing pavement and parking lots could help reduce temperatures.

However, even if this work is done, Mother Nature has her own say in the matter.

Albright says this data is just beginning.

He's hoping community organizers will coming together to address ways to make changes for the better.

"Kid soccer coaches, workplace laws and work place practices," Albright said. "We can make them as safe as possible because people often underestimate the dangers that heat poses to them." 

The university will be hosting a heat summit in May.

This way they can continue to help educate the public about the impacts and dangers of the heat.

If you would like to look at the map for yourself, you can check them out online.