The temporal dynamics of the urban heat Island of Singapore

Abstract

This thesis examines the Urban Heat Island (UHI) in the tropical city-state of Singapore. The primary objective is the documentation of temporal dynamics of the UHI. Climate variables are measured over different landuse types (e.g. commercial, CBD, high-rise and low-rise residential) for one year and compared with observations over a rural area. This data is analysed over diurnal and seasonal periods and compared with temperate and tropical city UHI studies. The secondary objective evaluates the impact of moisture (i.e. humidity, precipitation intensity and location, and soil moisture) on UHI intensity and dynamics. Results indicate that diurnal and seasonal variations in peak UHI intensity exist, with highest magnitudes of mean and maximum UHI documented during the dry southwest monsoon season. Limited impact of vapour pressure on heat island intensity is noted, but variations in precipitation intensity and location are seen to alter UHI intensity and dynamics.