Urban Forest Microclimates and Their Response to Heat Waves—A Case Study for London

Abstract

Extreme weather events and rising temperatures pose significant risks, not only in urban areas but also in metropolitan forests, that affect the well-being of the people who visit them. City forests are considered one of the best bets for mitigating high temperatures within civic areas. Such areas modulate microclimates in contemporary cities, offering environmental, social, and economic advantages. Therefore, comprehending the intricate relationships between municipal forests and the climatic changes of various destinations is crucial for attaining healthier and more sustainable city environments for people. In this research, the thermal comfort index (Modified Temperature–Humidity Index (MTHI)) has been analysed using Landsat images of six urban forests in London during July 2022, when the area first experienced record-breaking temperatures of over 40 °C. Our results show a significant growth in the MTHI that goes from 2.5 (slightly hot) under normal conditions to 3.4 (hot) during the heat wave period. This situation intensifies the environmental discomfort for visitors and highlights the necessity to enhance their adaptability to future temperature increases. In turn, it was found that the places most affected by heat waves are those that have grass cover or that have small associated buildings. Conversely, forested regions or those with lakes and/or ponds exhibit lower temperatures, which results in enhanced resilience. These findings are noteworthy in their concentration on one of the UK’s most severe heat waves and illustrate the efficacy of integrating spectral measurements with statistical analyses to formulate customized regional initiatives. Therefore, the results reported will allow the implementation of new planning and adaptation policies such as incorporating thermal comfort into planning processes, improving green and blue amenities, increasing tree densities that are resilient to rising temperatures, and increasing environmental comfort conditions in metropolitan forests. Finally, the applicability of this approach in similar urban contexts is highlighted.