Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Urban Heat Islands in Lilongwe, Zomba, Blantyre, and Mzuzu Cities: Examining the role of Urban Green Spaces

This study examines significant environmental transformations in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Zomba cities in Malawi over the past 23 years, focusing on changes in land cover and land surface temperatures (LSTs). Our findings reveal substantial decreases in forest cover and vegetation, alongside notable increases in bare land and built-up areas across all cities. These changes are strongly correlated with rising LSTs, as evidenced by a highly significant negative correlation between LSTs and forest/vegetation cover (R = -1.00) and a positive correlation with bare land and built-up areas. For instance, from 2000 to 2023, Mzuzu's minimum LST increased from 14.6°C to 19.5°C, and the maximum LST rose from 26.4°C to 34.3°C. In Lilongwe, the minimum LST increased from 18.4°C to 21.7°C, and the maximum LST from 35.4°C to 46.8°C. The observed trends highlight the critical need for urban planning that integrates green infrastructure and sustainable land use practices.