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ABSTRACT
Land Surface Temperature (LST) refers to the temperature of the Earth’s surface as measured by remote sensing techniques, while the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect describes the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities, impervious surfaces, and reduced vegetation. LST and UHI variations in Jos, Nigeria, were analyzed over a 25-year period (1999–2024) using Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite imagery. Temperature changes were examined at five-year intervals using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and ArcGIS, with classification techniques applied to assess temperature distribution and intensity.The results show a steady increase in LST and UHI intensity over time, with high-temperature zones (32–34°C) expanding from 26.54% in 1999 to 75.08% in 2024. The highest recorded LST reached 51.03°C in 2009, marking the peak of urban heating. UHI intensity followed a similar trend, with maximum temperature differences between urban and rural areas reaching 20.74°C in 2009, before experiencing a slight decline in later years. The increase in LST and UHI corresponds with urban expansion, vegetation loss, and the spread of heat-absorbing surfaces like roads and buildings. These changes contribute to rising energy demand, health risks such as heatstroke, and environmental degradation. Mitigation strategies such as urban greening, reflective building materials, and improved land use planning are essential to reduce heat intensity and enhance climate resilience. Continuous monitoring and policy interventions are needed to manage urban heat effects and ensure sustainable urban development in Jos.
