sic_00340835, version 1 - 22 Nov 2008

Urban heat islands (UHIs) significantly influence local climate and energy consumption, particularly in semi-arid regions where temperature variations can be pronounced. This study aims to identify the primary factors contributing to the UHI effect in a semi-arid city. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining statistical analysis of temperature data from local meteorological stations and geospatial analysis of land cover and land use patterns. Our findings reveal that surface materials, vegetation density, and urban geometry substantially affect temperature anomalies. Specifically, areas with high impervious surfaces showed a marked increase in daytime temperatures compared to greener, less developed regions. Additionally, factors such as population density and building height were correlated with temperature increases. These results suggest that urban planning and management strategies should incorporate sustainable practices, such as increasing vegetation cover and utilizing reflective materials, to mitigate UHI impacts in semi-arid climates. The implications of this research extend to public health, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This study thus underscores the need for targeted interventions to create more resilient urban environments in the face of climate change.