Analisis Indeks Suhu dan Kelembaban (Temperature Humidity Index) di Kampus Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Bekala, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Thermal comfort can be assessed using the temperature humidity index (THI), an indicator that combines air temperature and relative humidity. Campus, University of North Sumatra Bekala, is an educational area with extensive open spaces, covered in various vegetation, and potentially diverse microclimates. The vegetation and spatial layout influence temperature, humidity, and thermal comfort within the campus environment. However, research specifically measuring and analyzing thermal comfort levels based on temperature and humidity parameters in the open areas of USU Bekala Campus is still very limited. This study aims to determine the level of thermal comfort based on temperature and humidity parameters using predetermined standards. The temperature and humidity measurements were carried out using wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers placed inside a meteorological cage. Measurements were conducted in an open area during September, October, and November 2024, at three observation times each day (morning, afternoon, and evening). Thermal comfort conditions during the three months of measurements, based on temperature and humidity, varied. Average THI values in September and October 25,4°C–27,5°C tended to be above 26°C, which is considered uncomfortable by THI standards. While some values in November still showed a fairly comfortable range of 24–26°C. This research is useful as a source of accurate information regarding temperature, humidity, and thermal comfort which can be used as a reference in managing and improving environmental quality at the research location.