Summer sea breeze influence on human comfort in Funchal (Madeira Island) - Application to urban climate and tourism planning

摘要

The influence of sea breeze on human comfort in Funchal (Madeira Island) is presented in this study. Two groups of days (with sea breezes and hot days) from June to September 2006 were analysed. The Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) was used to evaluate thermal comfort. It was concluded that most of the sites in the city are slightly comfortable during breeze days. When hot days occurs only shore line and the higher green places can be comfortable.It is advisable that during hot periods more vulnerable tourists visit higher altitude places,gardens and acclimatized buildings in order to prevent thermal stress situations. Urban planners should not promote dense construction near the shoreline that prevents the renovation of the air inside the city.