Open Access Journal
B1
2021-2024
quadriênio
Planejamento e Aplicações ao Meio Ambiente | Vol. 8 Issue 1 (2026)
María Valverde Thamiris Cañadas Cunico
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Published in April 11, 2026
● https://10.66205/mabra.v8i1.571
The intra-urban heat island (IUHI) phenomenon constitutes a significant urban climate challenge in large metropolitan regions, reflecting a localized intensification of the broader Urban Heat Island effect. Specific urban zones demonstrate markedly higher temperatures, shaped by variables such as building height, material composition, major roadways, and proximity to urban rivers. Comprehensive understanding of the thermal field at multiple spatial scales, from regional contexts to individual buildings, is vital for informed planning and the advancement of sustainable urban models. This study assessed the thermal characteristics, air humidity, and outdoor thermal comfort of the Federal University of ABC campus in Santo André, within the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. The methodology comprised in situ observational measurements of atmospheric variables, employing both transect and fixed-point approaches at locations with diverse ground cover materials. A thermal potential map was also produced, reflecting the campus's physical structure. Results identified IUHI cores, where temperature intensities reached up to 6.16°C at 5 PM on hot spring days, relative to the campus's wooded areas. These conditions correspond to high levels of thermal stress as indicated by the evaluated indices, resulting in substantial discomfort for the campus community. Consequently, prioritizing sustainable management of open spaces is essential to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat for the university population.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 María Valverde, Thamiris Cañadas Cunico