Assessment of Urban Heat Island Effect in Kano City Using Landsat Thermal Infrared Imagery

Urban heat island effects represent a growing public health and energy demand challenge in Nigerian cities experiencing rapid densification. This study assesses the spatial patterns and intensity of the urban heat island in Kano City using land surface temperature retrieved from Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor data. Images acquired during the dry season of 2022 and 2024 are processed to derive land surface temperature maps using the split-window algorithm and emissivity corrections based on NDVI thresholds. The relationship between land surface temperature, land cover type, and built-up density is examined using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results indicate land surface temperature differentials of up to eight degrees Celsius between the dense urban core and surrounding rural periphery during peak daytime hours. The highest temperatures are associated with bare roof surfaces, asphalt pavements, and areas with minimal vegetation in the Fagge and Nassarawa districts. Conversely, the Kano Forest Reserve and Tiga Dam surroundings act as significant cooling centres. The study maps spatially explicit cool and hot zones, providing actionable intelligence for urban planners and the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority. Recommendations include expanding urban tree cover, mandating cool roof standards in building codes, and integrating urban heat island considerations into the Kano State Master Plan revision. Keywords: urban heat island, land surface temperature, Landsat, Kano, thermal remote sensing.