Abstract

ESPINOZA, Pablo Sarricolea  and  MARTIN-VIDE, Javier. The urban heat island effect of the Santiago Metropolitan Area (SMA) based on thermal differences between two observatories. Perspectiva Geográfica [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.2, pp.239-256.  Epub June 11, 2024. ISSN 0123-3769.

This study analyses the intensity of the urban heat island (UHI) in Santiago of Chile in 2010. The objective is to identify the hour in which the UHI presents its highest intensity. The intensity of the urban heat island is modelled using series of meteorological parameters. The results indicate that the urban heat island is on average more intense in summer and spring. The highest urban heat island intensity is observed during midnight. The variables used to evaluate urban heat island intensity are: cloudiness, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Cloudiness adds up to 1°C to the UHI while a 50% increase in relative humidity reduces UHI by more than 3°C. Atmospheric pressure has a strong positive influence on UHI. In conclusion, it is worth pointing out that these three variables can generally be forecasted at least 180 hours in advance meaning the greatest UHI events could be predicted and prevented.

Keywords : multiple regression models; Santiago of Chile; urban heat island.

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