Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

7-2024

Abstract

Urban areas in hot and humid tropical regions are frequently exposed to uncomfortable thermal levels. A well-developed urban heat mitigation strategy is increasing vegetation infrastructure, even though the impact differs based on regional climate. In this study we have evaluated the impact of rainfall on air temperature, humidity and thermal comfort inside a large urban park in Singapore, based on measurement campaigns. A comparison between the park and an urban site is presented. Results show that rainfall significantly reduces air temperature and improves thermal comfort levels, not only right after the rain event but also in the after-event dry period. The cooling potential of rainfall depends not only on the intensity and duration of the event, but also on the weather conditions after the event, especially incoming solar radiation. The maximum cooling potential of rainfall is lower in the park but also the park tends to stay cooler longer (lower recovery of air temperature recuperation) after the rain event. An increase of humidity after the event does not prevent an improvement in thermal comfort levels inside the park. Overall, results provide a grounded argument for the promotion of use of parks after rain events, especially during daytime.

Keywords

Hot and humid tropical climate, Measurements, Rainfall cooling, Thermal comfort, Vegetation cooling

Discipline

Asian Studies | Physical and Environmental Geography | Urban Studies

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Areas of Excellence

Sustainability

Publication

Urban Climate

Volume

56

First Page

1

Last Page

16

ISSN

2212-0955

Identifier

10.1016/j.uclim.2024.102051

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2024.102051

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