Assessment of U.S. Urban Surface Temperature using GOES-16 and 17 Data: Urban Heat Island and Temperature Inequality

With over 90% of the US population residing in urban areas, understanding the dynamics of Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) is crucial for both daily living and long-term climate impact analysis, especially in the face of global climate change. This study presents the development of a comprehensive SUHI database for major cities across the United States, leveraging the capabilities of GOES-R satellite data.

Our database encapsulates the magnitude of SUHI for over 100 cities in the US, revealing patterns in its diurnal cycle. Through rigorous data analysis, distinct categories of SUHI have been identified based on varying criteria such as city location, prevailing climate, population density, and income brackets, among others. Such categorization and database not only provide insights into the factors influencing SUHI intensities but also aids in the formulation of effective urban planning and mitigation strategies for these urban heat hotspots.

With the increasing importance of understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, this database stands as a pivotal resource for stakeholders ranging from city planners and environmentalists to the general urban populace.