Quantification of the Influence of Cloud on Diurnal Urban Heat Island Across Climatic Belts in Nigeria

Abstract

The study quantified the influence of clouds on diurnal (day and night) urban heat islands across climatic belts in Nigeria from 2003 to 2022. Remote sensing techniques were utilized to collect data such as Land Surface Temperature, GPS ground truth points, MODIS & Landsat images, and cloud cover data from CRU-TS spanning 20 years. The study covered urban and rural areas in Nigeria, with a sample size of 160 points distributed across eight cities. Statistical analysis, performed through SPSS, showed significant impacts of cloud cover variations on UHI dynamics (F = 7.837, p = 0.012). Diurnal UHI exhibited a significant difference (H = 59.15, P=.001). Urban expansion was identified as exacerbating UHI effects, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable urban planning strategies. The study reiterated the necessity of tailored mitigation plans, considering diverse UHI patterns across cities and climatic zones. Therefore, the study advocates evidence-based urban planning for UHI mitigation and climate resilience. Recommendations include prioritizing green infrastructure and integrating cloud cover and wind speed variations into urban planning strategies.