Urban Thermal Dynamics in the Indian Subcontinent: A Multicity Analysis of Land Surface Temperature and Implications for Sustainable Planning

Rapid urbanization in India has intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect, exacerbating thermal discomfort, increasing energy consumption, and growing public health risks, yet the spatial and seasonal variability of UHI remains underexplored. This study investigates the evolving dynamics of urban heat islands in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune from 2000 to 2024, capturing how urban expansion has shaped urban thermal environments. The findings reveal a pronounced UHI effect, characterized by cooler daytime temperatures contrasted with substantially warmer nighttime temperatures in all cities except a few. Notable seasonal patterns emerge, highlighting intensified nighttime warming, particularly during summer and postmonsoon periods, attributed to urban morphological changes, increased impervious surfaces, and reduced vegetation. City-specific analyses reveal unique trends: Ahmedabad shows daytime cooling against nighttime warming, while Kolkata exhibits warming during both day and night. The results underscore significant intercity variability in land surface temperature responses to urbanization, with critical implications for urban planning and climate resilience. This study contributes to understanding urban thermal dynamics in India, emphasizing the urgency of implementing sustainable practices to mitigate heat impacts in rapidly growing urban environments.