Urban heat island

From Glossary of Meteorology

urban heat island[edit | edit source]

(Or heat island.) Closed isotherms indicating an area of the surface that is relatively warm; most commonly associated with areas of human disturbance such as towns and cities.

The physiographic analogy derives from the similarity between the pattern of isotherms and height contours of an island on a topographic map. Heat islands commonly also possess "cliffs" at the urban–rural fringe and a "peak" in the most built-up core of the city. The annual mean temperature of a large city (say 106 inhabitants) may be 1°–2°C warmer than before development, and on individual calm, clear nights may be up to 12°C warmer. The warmth extends vertically to form an urban heat dome in near calm, and an urban heat plume in more windy conditions.

Term edited 29 May 2020.

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