Urban landcover differentially drives day and nighttime air temperature across a semi-arid city

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154589
• Publication Date: 2022-03-16T06:58:02Z
• Authors: Peter C. Ibsen; G. Darrel Jenerette; Tyler Dell; Kenneth J. Bagstad; Jay E. Diffendorfer
• Keywords: Microclimate; Urban Heat Island; Impervious surface

Semi-arid urban environments are undergoing an increase in both average air temperatures and the frequency intensity of extreme heat events. Within cities, different composition densities landcovers (ULC) influence local temperatures, either mitigating or increasing heat. Currently, understanding how combinations ULC temperature at block to neighborhood scale is necessary for mitigation plans, yet limited due complexities integrating high-resolution with spatial temporally microclimate data. We quantify influences 60 m resolution day nighttime climate normals conditions by sensor data (1 m2) Denver, Colorado's core. derive drivers using a structural equation model, then use random forest algorithm predict 30-year condition. find that, conjunction other ULC, tree canopy reduces daytime (-0.026 °C per % cover), combination impervious surfaces buildings increases (0.021 cover). Compared hours, irrigated turf cooling effects increased from being non-significant -0.022 cover, while reduced -0.026 during -0.016 night. Overall, drives ~17% 25% night, respectively. on altered events, depending type time day. Our findings inform planners seeking identify potential hot cool spots within semi-arid city mitigate high through larger strategies.