Variations seasonally and diurnally

Question 1

Give an example that shows the UHI effect is stronger at night

Answer 1

Urban daytime temperatures are on average 0.6°C than surrounding rural areas, but night time temperatures can be 3-4°C warmer

Question 2

Why is the UHI effect stronger at night?

Answer 2

Rural areas cool down at night, but urban areas don’t coll as much because urban surfaces continue to release heat that they’ve absorbed during the day

Question 3

Give an example that shows the UHI effect is stronger in summer

Answer 3

Average winter temperature can be 2°C warmer, but average summer temperatures can be up to 5°C warmer

Question 4

Why is the UHI effect stronger in summer?

Answer 4

There’s more solar radiation in summer, so urban areas absorb more heat

Question 5

Why is the UHI effect stronger is there’s an anticyclone?

Answer 5

Anticyclones cause clear skies and low winds. If there are no clouds, more solar radiation reaches and heats the ground. Low winds mean warm air isn’t blown away