Modeling spatio-temporal characteristics of urban heat in Bangkok

This study analyzes the spatial and temporal variation of air temperature in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) using dynamic climate modeling. The analysis focuses on three distinct cli-matic periods: the cool and dry season (November-February), the hot and dry season (March-May), and the wet monsoon season (June-October).

Results indicate that during sunrise in the cool and dry season, urban temperatures can be up to 6.4°C higher than those in surrounding rural areas. The highest temperature differences (>4°C) occur at night during this season, with over 50% of BMA's urban area and population experiencing sustained exposure to these ele-vated temperatures. In contrast, the smallest temperature differences occur in the hot and dry season, despite it being the hottest overall, due to low soil moisture limiting rural cooling.