Assessing the spatiotemporal impact of land use and land cover change on urban heat island: a case study Gulu City

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between land-use/land-cover (LUCC) changes and land surface temperature (LST) in Gulu, Uganda, focusing on the period 2005-2040. The analysis employed a combination of random and stratified random sampling to collect LST data across the study area. Key findings reveal a significant positive correlation between increasing built-up areas and LST, particularly from 2010 to 2020. This suggests that urbanization is a major driver of rising LST in Gulu, potentially contributing to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Seasonal variations were investigated, revealing higher LST values during dry seasons compared to wet seasons. This finding highlights the influence of factors beyond just urbanization on LST fluctuations. The research underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices for Gulu's future. The identification of UHI hotspots provides valuable insights for urban planning strategies. Incorporating green infrastructure projects, such as parks, trees, and green roofs, can help create cooler and more sustainable urban environments in rapidly growing cities. These findings can inform policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate LST rise and promote a greener, cooler Gulu.