Heat stress - Regions

This dataset provides indicators on population exposure to heat stress in large (TL2) and small (TL3) regions.

Data definition and source

Heat stress is estimated using the Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI). The UTCI enables to assess the impact of atmospheric conditions on the human body by considering air temperature, wind, radiation and humidity. UTCI values from 32°C to 38°C are considered as strong heat stress, from 38°C to 46°C as very strong heat stress, and above 46°C as extreme heat stress. Population exposure to heat stress was computed using the hourly thermal comfort indices grids from the Copernicus Climate Data Store. See the methodology.

Definition of regions

Regions are subnational units below national boundaries. OECD countries have two regional levels: large regions (territorial level 2 or TL2) and small regions (territorial level 3 or TL3). For more information, see the OECD Territorial grid (pdf) and the OECD Territorial Correspondence Table (xlsx). 

Cite this dataset

OECD Regions, Cities and Local Areas database http://oe.cd/geostats.

Further information

• OECD Local Data Portal 


• OECD Regions and Cities at a Glance

For questions and/or comments, please email [email protected].