Urban Heat Island Effect in Lagos Using Thermal Remote Sensing

The rapid urbanisation of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, has fundamentally altered its surface energy balance, contributing to the urban heat island effect. This study investigates the spatial distribution of land surface temperature across Lagos State using Landsat 8 thermal infrared bands. Land surface temperature is retrieved using the split-window algorithm, and results are analysed alongside land use and land cover maps derived from multispectral bands. The Normalised Difference Built-up Index and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index are computed to characterise the relationship between impervious surfaces, vegetation cover, and thermal anomalies. Results confirm a strong positive correlation between built-up density and elevated surface temperatures, with the Lagos Island, Surulere, and Oshodi-Isolo districts recording the highest temperature anomalies exceeding ambient values by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Densely vegetated areas including Omu Resort and Lekki Conservation Centre register the lowest temperatures. The study recommends integrating urban green spaces and cool roof designs into Lagos State's urban development standards to mitigate heat island intensification. Findings contribute to evidence-based climate adaptation planning in rapidly urbanising coastal cities. Keywords: urban heat island, land surface temperature, Lagos, thermal remote sensing, impervious surface