MONITORING SUMMER DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME DECADAL TRENDS OF LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE OVER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION DELHI

Abstract. Urbanization-related growth and development have been recognized as substantial factors in increasing surface temperatures. India's rapid urbanization has exacerbated climate change challenges, particularly the rising Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomena. The study used LST data from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to examine decadal variances in LST and diurnal LST variations over the summer months in a study region. We compared the LST values in 2010, 2020, and 2022 with the reference year 2000 by analyzing LST data collected from 2000 to 2022 using geospatial analysis. The study found a significant increase in the LST over a two-decade period, particularly in May and June, with temperature jumps of up to 10 (°C) both during the day and at night. The study also revealed differences in LST patterns between rural and urban regions, with rural areas having a higher daytime LST than urban areas and urban areas witnessing an elevated nighttime LST owing to the UHI impact. Analysis revealed significant differences in LST patterns, with 2020 showing lower surface temperatures due to limited heat released from anthropogenic activities such as industrial operation and vehicular traffic due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, in the years 2010 and 2022, the study observed a significant increase in LST during the summer months both during the day and at night. These findings provided useful insights for urban development and planning and contribute to the implementation of measures aimed at reducing heat-related risks and improving the well-being of urban residents.