Multivariate Analysis of the Urban Heat Island of the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where urban regions experience higher temperatures than their rural counterparts, is a well-observed phenomenon with consequences such as health issues and increased energy consumption. In the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), a dense urban zone with over 20 million inhabitants, the UHI effect is intensified due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. This research utilized meteorological data from MASP's weather stations and employed the k-means clustering algorithm to identify regions with pronounced UHI intensity. The study revealed four distinct clusters, with Cluster A exhibiting the most significant UHI effect. This effect was related with land use patterns, particularly the dominance of residential and commercial areas and a lack of green spaces. Seasonal variations in the UHI effect were also observed. The findings highlight the impact of urban development on localized climate change and provide valuable insights for urban planning and policy-making in MASP. Future studies could expand on these findings by including more variables and examining other global urban regions.