ORIGINAL PAPER
Analysis of the urban heat island in Łódź, Poland
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1
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Paediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital)
2
Office of Proecological Studies and Measurements “Ekometria”, Gdańsk, Poland
3
Poddębice Health Center, Poddębice, Poland
Online publication date: 2024-12-12
Corresponding author
Monika Bobrowska-Korzeniowska
Medical University of Lodz, Department of Paediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital,
al. Pilsudskiego 71, 90-329 Łódź, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(6):581-90
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: The phenomenon of urban heat island (UHI) is based on the occurrence of elevated air temperature in urban areas, in relation to the surrounding
urban, rural and forest areas. The aim of the study was the assessment of the UHI in Łódź in 2014–2019. Łódź is a large city with an area
of 293.3 km2, located in the center of Poland. Material and Methods: The UHI was defined as the difference of at least 1.5°C in daily minimum temperature
at the point representing the commutative conditions (lower temperature) and daily minimum temperature at the point located in the city
center (higher temperature). Based on data from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)/CALMET models and the above criterium, the occurrence
of UHI cases was analyzed. Results: In summary the phenomenon of urban heat island in 2014–2019 was observed in every studied year,
most often in 2018 with the highest UHI index almost 5°C, and increased over the years. The results proved that the highest UHI contrast was seen
at night between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Conclusions: The study confirms that the UHI phenomenon in Łódź is persistent and has expanded in spatial
extent over the years due to urban growth. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(6):581–90