The Zuidas and other southern parts of Amsterdam are characterized by high concentrations of concrete, asphalt, and high-rise buildings. With Schiphol Airport nearby, heavy traffic, and limited green space, this area heats up more quickly than the surrounding countryside. This so-called urban heat island effect causes temperatures to rise even further during heatwaves. Combined with high humidity and low wind speeds, this can lead to unhealthy and even dangerous conditions for residents and visitors. The station plays an important role in the early detection of rapidly rising temperatures on hot summer days.
Collaboration between VU and KNMI
To better map weather patterns in urban environments like this, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam joined forces. The result: an advanced weather station installed on the 60-meter-high roof of the university’s main building. The data it produces provides researchers and policymakers with valuable insights into how heat develops in dense urban areas – crucial at a time when high-rise buildings are increasingly seen as a solution to housing shortages. It is also the first monitoring instrument on the Zuidas.
Open data for science and society
The station records temperature, humidity, air pressure, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction every five minutes. All data is publicly available via WOW-NL: Your weather on the map!. This collaboration not only benefits KNMI and VU – students and researchers can also use the data for their own projects on climate, sustainability, and urban development. Both partners are enthusiastic about deepening their cooperation on weather and climate in the city.
