Urban heat island intensity in Tirana, Albania, assessed using satellite thermal data and ground based measurements

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, characterized by higher urban temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas, is increasingly evident in Mediterranean cities like Tirana due to dense urbanization and reduced vegetation. This study assesses UHI intensity in Tirana through the integration of long-term climatic data and on-site measurements. Satellite-derived data from the Copernicus Climate Data Store, processed in Google Earth Engine, produced thermal maps for June–July 2025, revealing spatial temperature variations. Field measurements were conducted at nine representative sites, including suburban, historical, and highly urbanized zones, using a calibrated Testo 435 climate meter to record air temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ levels at pedestrian height. Measurements were repeated on three different days during a short period at midday to capture thermal inertia. ANOVA results showed no statistically significant differences in temperature, humidity, or CO₂ levels across the monitored locations, indicating broadly uniform microclimatic conditions during the measurement period. Despite the absence of statistically significant differences in the ANOVA, measured temperature patterns indicated differences of about 2°C between urban and suburban areas, with new hotspots emerging in Paskuqan and the City of Students in addition to those in the city center.