Analysis of Urban Heat Islands Using Geographic Information System: Evaluation and Management of Global Climate Impact

Urban Heat Islands (UHI) are a climatic phenomenon where urban areas exhibit significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. This effect is primarily driven by urbanization, the reduction of green spaces, the prevalence of heat-retaining materials such as concrete and asphalt, and human activities. This study analyzes the UHI effect in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México through temperature monitoring at three meteorological stations across different periods of the year. Spatial data processing and analysis were conducted using ArcMap 10.2, enabling the creation of thermal distribution maps and the identification of temperature variation patterns within the urban landscape. The results confirm the presence of the UHI effect, with urbanized zones recording consistently higher temperatures than less developed areas. The highest temperature, 39.53°C, was observed between July and September, whereas the maximum recorded during January-February was 28.62°C. Temperature variations also fluctuated depending on the time of day, with the highest value occurring at midday and in the afternoon. The study highlights the necessity of implementing mitigation strategies to counteract UHI effects, such as increasing green areas, incorporating reflective materials in infrastructure, and promoting sustainable urban design. These measures are essential for enhancing urban climate resilience and improving the quality of life in affected areas.