Influence of acclimatization and short-term thermal history on outdoor thermal comfort in subtropical South China

Abstract

Internal migration across different climate zones in China has increased as people seek better economic and education opportunities. Past indoor studies revealed the difference in thermal comfort and timescale of acclimatization of people from various climate zones. However, it is unclear whether the same results and mechanisms apply to transient outdoor conditions. To examine the thermal comfort of Chinese people with a diverse climatic background, we conducted an outdoor thermal comfort survey in Guangzhou and Zhuhai (n = 4267) in September 2018. We investigated the influence of long-term acclimatization and short-term thermal history on outdoor thermal comfort. When UTCI was 27.5–38.4 °C, the local respondents reported a lower thermal sensation than other climate zones. When relative humidity was 45–95%, there was a different humidity sensation and preference. Wind sensation was similar for different climate zones. One year of staying in Guangzhou/Zhuhai could diminish the difference in thermal and humidity sensation between climate zones. Furthermore, exposure environment and activity before the survey could modify this difference in outdoor thermal comfort between climate zones. Considering both long-term and short-term thermal history would improve outdoor thermal comfort forecast and meet the thermal comfort requirement of people with a diverse climatic background.