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URBAN AIR TEMPERATURES AND THE ROLE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: A 2024 CASE STUDY FROM ZILINA, SLOVAKIA
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect on temperature dynamics across various locations within the city of -ilina during the year 2024. The results reveal significant differences in temperature gradients between urban and rural areas, with urban zones such as Nemocnicna Street and the Vlcince housing estate exhibiting up to 16.6 % slower cooling rates on summer evenings compared to the rural locality of -ilinska Lehota. This phenomenon is attributed to the increased heat accumulation in impervious surfaces and the low presence of vegetation, leading to elevated thermal stress, particularly during tropical days and nights. Seasonal variability highlights the most pronounced disparities in spring and autumn, when rural areas demonstrate greater temperature amplitudes both in the morning and evening, whereas urban zones are characterized by attenuated thermal dynamics due to the thermal inertia of the built environment. The implementation of natural and sustainable solutions within urban planning represents an effective approach to mitigating the impacts of the UHI effect and enhancing quality of life in cities exposed to climatic stress.
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