Controls of Land Surface Temperature between and within Local Climate Zones: A Case Study of Harare in Zimbabwe

Urban growth-related changes in land use and cover have segmented urban areas into zones of distinct surface air temperatures (i.e., Local Climate Zones—LCZ). While studies revealed inter-LCZ temperature variations, understanding controls variations Land Surface Temperature (LST) within LCZs has largely remained uninvestigated. In view the need for LCZ-specific heat mitigation strategies, this study investigated factors driving LST LCZs. To achieve this, an LCZ map Harare was developed correlated with LST, both derived using Landsat 8 data. The contribution index (CI) then used to determine relative cooling warming city. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Bareness (NDBaI), Built-up (NDBI), Modified Water (MNDWI), (UI), Aspect Elevation as quantitative measures were between generally increased built-up density reduced increases water vegetation. showed that effect bodies their insignificant proportion area. At city scale, NDVI, MNDWI, NDBI, UI had strongest influence on (correlation coefficient > 0.5). intra-LCZ these properties significant, though varied extents. concluded wetness is a significant determinant densely LCZs, while other it combines vegetation abundance health mitigate elevated temperature. elevation low but correlations most recommends must be considered efforts.