Global review of urban heat island research across varied climatic regions

In recent decades, research on urban heat islands (UHIs) has surged as this phenomena have become integral to urbanization, particularly in the context of varying climate zones. Despite numerous studies, there remains a lack of comprehensive critical research into the diverse aspects of UHIs. This study aims to provide an extensive literature review focusing on key UHI aspects, including assessment methods, with particular emphasis on the influence of different climatic conditions. The review covers a range of techniques and approaches for studying UHIs, highlighting the limitations and challenges posed by specific climates. Key topics include observational methods, field measurements, thermal remote sensing, and the development of algorithms and modeling approaches. The review explores how these methods are applied across various climate zones, such as tropical, temperate, arid, and continental regions, noting the unique challenges and insights each climate presents.Additionally, the review delves into different modeling approaches for studying UHIs at various scales, from micro to mesoscale, and assesses their effectiveness in different climatic contexts. This includes evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of these models in capturing UHI dynamics, particularly in complex urban environments with diverse weather patterns. The primary objective is to examine major UHI research areas, focusing on identifying the most effective mitigation strategies tailored to specific climatic conditions. Topics include UHI intensity estimation, influencing factors such as land use and urban morphology, and the relationship between UHIs and other climatic variables. The review also discusses the impact of mitigation strategies, such as urban greening and reflective materials, and their applicability in various climates, considering scenarios of climate change and urbanization.The review includes global literature to identify research gaps, particularly in the context of different climates UHI studies. It suggests areas for further exploration in India, focusing on region-specific strategies that consider the country’s diverse climatic zones. This systematic review not only maps existing research gaps but also proposes effective mitigation strategies for UHIs in Indian cities, emphasizing the need for climate-specific approaches to enhance urban resilience and improve the quality of life in urban environments.