Surface Temperature Variability in Urban Street Canyons in a Tropical Climate

Abstract

Materials used in building envelopes and urban areas contribute significantly to the urban heat island (UHI). In this context, this paper presents a study utilizing infrared thermography (IRT) to assess urban streets and building surface materials in the coastal city of Bayahibe, Dominican Republic. Measurements were conducted in situ in six urban street canyons (Sections A–F) during the warmest and coldest weather conditions. A FLIR T420 thermal camera, FLIR Tools+ software, and the emissivity values of common building materials in Bayahibe were used to determine surface temperatures under sunlit and shaded conditions. The findings show that sunlit surfaces of urban elements generally exhibited higher surface temperatures compared to their shaded counterparts in both warm and cold periods. Metal surfaces displayed the most significant surface temperature differences between sunlit and shaded areas. Additionally, light-colored block walls presented lower surface temperatures than medium and dark-colored ones. This research provides insights into the urban microclimate of Bayahibe under different meteorological conditions. It supports the development of strategies to mitigate the UHI effect and enhance pedestrian thermal comfort in tropical and coastal cities by emphasizing the importance of shading elements and light-colored surfaces. The findings can inform specific interventions and policies for creating more sustainable and climate-resilient urban environments in the Caribbean region.