Urban Heat Island Effect Analysis in Beijing and New York City Based on Atmospheric Chemistry and Data Science

Abstract

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) occur when urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to anthropogenic heat emissions and land cover modification (Oke, 1982; Arnfield, 2003). This study presents a comparative analysis of UHI effects in Beijing and New York City (NYC) using open-source satellite datasets (MODIS and Landsat) and socio-environmental data (e.g., WorldPop population) (Wan, Hook, & Hulley, 2013; Didan, 2021; Tatem, 2017). Land Surface Temperature (LST), vegetation cover (NDVI), impervious surface fraction, and population density were analyzed for summer periods around 2000 and 2020 to assess spatial patterns and temporal trends. Statistical models, including multiple linear regression and generalized additive models (GAMs) (Wood, 2017; Fotheringham, Brunsdon, & Charlton, 2002), were used to quantify relationships between LST and key UHI drivers. Results show pronounced UHI effects in both cities: Beijing’s mean summer daytime surface UHI intensity reached approximately 5.5 °C, while NYC’s averaged around 4 °C (Zhang, J., Zhang, Z., Sun, Wang, 2022; Bornstein, 1968). High NDVI values (dense vegetation) correlated strongly with reduced LST (cooling effect of roughly –6°C per NDVI unit), whereas impervious surfaces and population density correlated positively with LST. Spatial analyses revealed urban cores were 5–10 °C hotter than greener suburban zones on extreme days. Time-series data indicate intensification of UHIs in both cities over the past two decades, coinciding with urban expansion and rising background temperatures (Zhang, J., Zhang, Z., Sun, & Wang, 2022; Peng, Piao, Ciais, Friedlingstein, Ottl´e, C., Br´eon, F.-M., et al., 2012). The statistical modeling (R² ≈ 0.60–0.65) confirmed significant impacts of vegetation cover (p < 0.001) and impervious surfaces (p < 0.001) on urban temperature variability. In conclusion, Beijing’s inland climate and rapid urbanization contribute to a stronger daytime UHI, while NYC’s coastal setting moderates daytime extremes but sustains a persistent nocturnal UHI. These findings underscore the importance of mitigation strategies—expanded green infrastructure, reflective surfaces, and adaptive urban design—to reduce heat stress amid ongoing urbanization and climate change.