Urban Climate Dynamics in Lagos Metropolis, Lagos State, Nigeria: Landscape, Temperature Patterns, and Mitigation Strategies

Context and background Rapid urbanization in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria, has led to significant changes in its urban climate, manifesting as Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Goal and Objectives: This study assesses the state of urban climate in Lagos by examining urban-rural landscape differences, Land Surface Temperature (LST) patterns, and spatiotemporal dynamics of surface UHI. The objectives of this research are to map urban-rural landscape changes, examine temperature changes, and identify UHI areas in Lagos metropolis between 1984 and 2013. Methodology: Using geospatial techniques, Landsat satellite images from 1984, 2000, and 2013 were analyzed. Image processing involved LULC classification, LST derivation, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculation. Correlation analysis was employed to examine relationships between LST, NDVI, and urban landscape dynamics. Results: Results show substantial urban expansion, with built-up areas increasing from 242.41 km ² in 1984 to 563.28 km ² in 2013, leading to increased LSTs. Urban areas exhibited higher LSTs (mean: 24.76°C in 1984, 27.99°C in 2000, and 28.59°C in 2013) compared to rural areas. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between NDVI and LST (ρ = -0.44 in 1984, -0.41 in 2000, and -0.54 in 2013), indicating vegetation loss contributes to UHI intensification. Surface UHI areas expanded from 147.06km ² in 1984 to 332.36km ² in 2013. The study proposes mitigation strategies, including increasing urban green spaces and adopting cool roofing materials, to alleviate UHI effects. Findings underscore the need for sustainable urban planning to enhance climate resilience in Lagos metropolis.