Heat Island

Urban areas contain high concentrations of concrete, brick and tarmac construction. During the day, these manmade materials absorb heat from the sun more effectively than surrounding greener rural areas. Especially under conditions of clear sky and light winds, urban areas become giant storage heaters, which then warm the air above them. Not only are urban areas warmer during the day, the slow release of heat continues after sunset, allowing temperatures to remain higher than the countryside at night.