• Between February and May, most of the 89 Indian cities that are to be developed as Smart Cities have been found to be 1-5 degrees C cooler during the day relative to the surrounding non-urban areas. More than 60% of the total 89 urban areas are 1-5 degrees C cooler during April (it’s 70% in May). Aerosols too have an effect in reducing the temperature but their role in cooling during day time is less compared with vegetation and irrigation.

What is it?

• An urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities.
• Due to urban heat island effect, urban areas getting significantly warmer during the day compared with the surrounding areas.