Researchers found that coating more than 700,000 square feet of asphalt in a Los Angeles neighborhood with a solar-reflective material helped reduce urban heat, though the benefits came with limitations, according to the Times of India. During a September 2022 heat wave, afternoon air temperatures in treated areas were as much as 3.5°F (1.9°C) cooler than in a nearby untreated neighborhood. While reflective surfaces absorb less heat, they can also reflect more solar radiation back into the surrounding environment, potentially increasing the radiant heat people experience. Factors such as direct sunlight, humidity, wind, and surrounding surfaces all influence how hot it actually feels outdoors. The findings suggest reflective pavement can help reduce urban heat, particularly during extreme heat waves, but works best as part of a broader strategy that also includes trees, shade, and other cooling measures.