Work

Seasonal outdoor thermal comfort and neutral PET thresholds in a severe cold Dwa climate city of Shenyang China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) research in cold climate cities is expanding, comprehensive studies quantifying the seasonal impacts of urban morphology remain limited. This study fills a critical gap by establishing season-specific neutral Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) thresholds in Shenyang (Dwa climate, Northeast China) through 1,009 paired microclimate measurements and subjective surveys. Results show markedly lower thermal neutral points-12.5 °C in winter and 22.5 °C in summer-reflecting distinct cold-adaptive behaviors. This study provides empirical evidence quantifying the seasonal influences of urban morphology on OTC in a severe cold zone. The proposed Sky View Factor (SVF)-sensitive comfort framework advances climate-responsive design, providing empirical thresholds and parametric tools for cold-region planning. Findings contribute new evidence supporting seasonal adaptation theory and empirically offer a transferable methodology for similar high-latitude cities globally.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-46003-0

Authors: Lei Fan, Zixian Li, Yan zhou

Institution: Shenyang Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Heat Island Mitigation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690