An Assessment of the Urban Canopy Heat Island (UCHI) of Kano Metropolis During the Dry/Hot Season

Abstract

Urbanization has had a profound impact on our local, regional and even global climate, through the modification
of the natural environment by replacing it with artificial surfaces, canyons and materials. This study assessed the
nature of Urban Canopy Heat Island (UCHI) intensities in Kano metropolis during the hot/dry season. This
study involved the measurement of temperature within the period and determination of the UCHI within Kano
metropolis. The study measured the temperature data using an automatic temperature data logger and
determined the UCHI from the data collected. The different sample stations were determined using the canyon
zoning system known as the Urban Climate Zone (UCZ). Temperature and UCHI variation for the study were
also determined for two periods that showed its diurnal distribution. The study area was categorized into 13
stations and all the classes of the UCZ fit into the study area. The UCHI characteristics showed a generally
warm profile during the day time and night time periods, suggesting that most of the stations had high
temperatures. This can be attributed to the season, as it is classified as hot and dry, thereby allowing for high
insolation and consequent warming and heat retention capacity of the surface and the overlying atmosphere. The
UCHI intensities can be attributed to the nature of the surface materials and characteristics, as well as level of
human activities ranging from moderate to high, taking place within the various stations. It is thereby
recommended that extensive vegetation of the metropolis be carried out so as to mitigate the effect of the UCHI
within the area.