Impacts of Urban Morphology on Micrometeorological Parameters and Cyclonic Phenomena in Northern Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

The rapid urbanization processes across the world can be considered one of the most influential factors in climate change, particularly in metropolitan areas. In South America, the growing population and recurrent non-sustainable or controlled urban land management plans are even increasing the negative consequences of urban heat islands. As a representative case study, Soledad in northern Colombia is an area with recurrent strong wind events, which have caused significant damage to property and human lives, conditioning urban plans. This research aimed to assess the micrometeorological conditions in areas of Soledad, where cyclonic events are highly frequent, to gather essential data on urban planning to understand microclimate changes. We conducted in situ measurements of air temperature, surface temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure across different Local Climate Zones (LCZs). Data were analyzed to assess the impact of urban form, vegetation, and sky openness on microclimatic variations. Our results demonstrated that urban morphology, vegetation cover, and sky openness significantly influenced local microclimates, with lower Sky View Factor (SVF) and higher Leaf Area Index (LAI) values contributing to reduced temperatures and improved airflow. Areas with denser urban canyons exhibited higher temperatures and lower wind speeds, emphasizing the need for strategic urban planning to mitigate heat stress and enhance ventilation.