Assessing the Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Nueva Ecija, Philippines: A Decadal Analysis Using Landsat 8 Satellite Imagery

This study investigates the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effect in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, utilizing Landsat 8 satellite imagery from 2013 to 2023 to analyze temperature differences between urban and rural areas. Through remote sensing and thermal analysis, we evaluated mean, maximum, and minimum surface temperatures across selected polygons, revealing substantial temperature disparities associated with urbanization. Results show an average SUHI intensity of 12.42°C, with urban areas reaching peak temperatures of 53.62°C, while rural regions recorded lower maximums at 49.91°C. These findings highlight the significant influence of urban environments on local thermal profiles and underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate heat-related impacts. Future research should consider seasonal variations in SUHI intensity to better understand the dynamics of temperature changes in response to climate and vegetation shifts. Incorporating socio-economic data could further elucidate the SUHI’s effects on public health, energy use, and living conditions. Additionally, integrating ground-based temperature data is recommended to enhance accuracy, offering more detailed insights for urban planners and policymakers working toward resilient and sustainable urban growth.