An Investigation of City-scale Heat Climatology Using Observations and Modelling

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, driven by urbanisation, increases temperatures in cities and heightens climate risks to human health and urban infrastructure. Climate change is already raising global temperatures, and urban growth is intensifying these impacts in cities. This thesis investigates city-scale heat climatology by analysing long-term climate observations and by developing a fast, high-resolution urban climate model. The developed modelling approach improves the outputs of climate models, providing detailed information on how heat varies across neighbourhoods. These insights support better urban planning and climate adaptation strategies, helping cities become more resilient to urban heat under a warming climate.