Urban Heat Pockets: Rising Temperatures in City Areas
Urban Heat Pockets: Rising Temperatures in City Areas
US · Published Jan 19, 2026
Urban heat pockets are areas in cities with significantly higher temperatures due to human activities and infrastructure.
Lack of vegetation and prevalence of heat-absorbing materials exacerbate urban heat pockets, especially during heatwaves.
Strategies to mitigate urban heat pockets include increasing green spaces, using reflective materials, and reducing vehicle emissions.
Cities hotter than surrounding rural areas
Urban heat pockets are specific areas within cities where temperatures are noticeably higher than in the surrounding suburban or rural regions. This phenomenon is largely due to human activities and the infrastructure that supports urban life. Buildings, roads, and vehicles absorb and retain heat, contributing to elevated temperatures, particularly during the day.
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