Urban areas are becoming increasingly hotter due to climate change, with extreme heat events posing significant risks to human health and well-being Basu and Samet (Epidemiol Rev 24:190–202, 2002); Tan et al. (Int J Biometeorology 51:193–200, 2007;). Among the complex factors contributing to urban overheating, the urban heat island effect (UHI) stands out as a prominent phenomenon, increasing temperatures within cities compared to their surrounding rural areas. In this context, understanding the dynamics of the urban heat island, particularly the surface urban heat island (SUHI), becomes crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and enhancing urban resilience Abdulateef and Al-Alwan (Ain Shams Eng J 13:526, 2022); Irfeey et al (Sustainability 15:10767, 2023). In this context, the present study aims to assess the influence of wind patterns on SUHI intensity by analysing urban morphology. Land surface temperature (LST) data from Sentinel-3 and wind pattern data from ERA5 reanalyses (spatial resolution: 0.25 × 0.25°) were used. City geometry is properly described at the same spatial resolution as the LST data (i.e., 1 × 1 km). The study focuses on Milan and Lecce during the summer seasons (JJA) of 2022–2023. The results suggest that calm wind conditions at night create optimal conditions for peak SUHI intensity, especially in densely urbanized areas. Conversely, winds exceeding 6.5 m/s weaken this phenomenon, particularly in suburban areas. Wind direction also significantly impacts SUHI distribution in cities. Northerly winds tend to mitigate SUHI intensity, while southerly winds tend to intensify it. Furthermore, this study explores the role of albedo in explaining variations in SUHI intensity between different cities. By analysing SUHI across different cities and considering urban geometry, this research provides valuable insights into factors affecting SUHI intensity. These insights can support improvements in urban thermal environments through informed urban planning, mitigation systems, and promoting human well-being and thermal comfort.
Exploring the Influence of Wind Patterns on SUHII: A Case Study on Italian Cities
Esposito A.;Pappaccogli G.;Buccolieri R.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Urban areas are becoming increasingly hotter due to climate change, with extreme heat events posing significant risks to human health and well-being Basu and Samet (Epidemiol Rev 24:190–202, 2002); Tan et al. (Int J Biometeorology 51:193–200, 2007;). Among the complex factors contributing to urban overheating, the urban heat island effect (UHI) stands out as a prominent phenomenon, increasing temperatures within cities compared to their surrounding rural areas. In this context, understanding the dynamics of the urban heat island, particularly the surface urban heat island (SUHI), becomes crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and enhancing urban resilience Abdulateef and Al-Alwan (Ain Shams Eng J 13:526, 2022); Irfeey et al (Sustainability 15:10767, 2023). In this context, the present study aims to assess the influence of wind patterns on SUHI intensity by analysing urban morphology. Land surface temperature (LST) data from Sentinel-3 and wind pattern data from ERA5 reanalyses (spatial resolution: 0.25 × 0.25°) were used. City geometry is properly described at the same spatial resolution as the LST data (i.e., 1 × 1 km). The study focuses on Milan and Lecce during the summer seasons (JJA) of 2022–2023. The results suggest that calm wind conditions at night create optimal conditions for peak SUHI intensity, especially in densely urbanized areas. Conversely, winds exceeding 6.5 m/s weaken this phenomenon, particularly in suburban areas. Wind direction also significantly impacts SUHI distribution in cities. Northerly winds tend to mitigate SUHI intensity, while southerly winds tend to intensify it. Furthermore, this study explores the role of albedo in explaining variations in SUHI intensity between different cities. By analysing SUHI across different cities and considering urban geometry, this research provides valuable insights into factors affecting SUHI intensity. These insights can support improvements in urban thermal environments through informed urban planning, mitigation systems, and promoting human well-being and thermal comfort.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
