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Estimating Urban Heat Island Effect in Northwestern Europe

Urban heat island (UHI) effect, the temperature difference between cities and nearby rural areas, is investigated. Since not all cities have extensive measurement networks, there's a need for a simple equation to estimate UHI. Here, we introduce a straightforward equation derived using dimensional analysis. This equation provides a first-order estimation of the daily maximum UHI using routine meteorological observations and basic urban characteristics. Tested across 14 cities in northwestern Europe, the equation proves to be robust. Its simplicity allows for broader applications beyond urban meteorological studies.

authors: Natalie E. Theeuwes,* Gert-Jan Steeneveld, Reinder J. Ronda and Albert A. M. Holtslag
Meteorology and Air Quality Section, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

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