Comparative Analysis of Urban Heat Island Intensity: A Study of Ten Greek Cities

This paper examines the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon across ten regions in Greece, leveraging Google Earth Engine (GEE) to process and analyze remotely sensed data. UHI intensity is assessed by calculating Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI), allowing for precise monitoring of thermal variations in urban and peri-urban environments. The selected study areas are characterized by varied population densities and geographic features, providing insights into how urbanization, land use, and climatic conditions influence UHI intensity. Results indicate significant seasonal and spatial variability in UHI patterns, with inland regions experiencing greater thermal stress compared to coastal areas, partly due to the moderating effects of sea breezes. Notably, urban planning and green infrastructure are shown to play a critical role in reducing UHI impact, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning practices. This research highlights the importance of UHI monitoring to inform mitigation strategies and assess the socio-economic costs associated with heat stress, particularly under conditions of rapid urban expansion and climate change. ).