Thermal comfort atlas of Iran: Insights into comfort and discomfort levels from a 30-year UTCI analysis

Background: This study presents a comprehensive thermal comfort atlas for Iran based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Utilizing 30 years of meteorological data from 49 stations across the country, the study analyzed seasonal and regional variations in thermal comfort. Methods: De Martonne’s climate classification was used to categorize Iran’s climate, and the UTCI was calculated for different seasons. Kriging interpolation was used to create zoning maps, providing spatial representations of thermal comfort conditions. Results: The results indicate significant regional disparities in thermal comfort. Arid climates experience severe heat stress, particularly in summer, while Mediterranean climates generally offer more favorable conditions. Seasonal variations are also pronounced, with autumn and spring being more comfortable seasons overall. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for urban planning and building design to address thermal comfort challenges, particularly in areas prone to extreme heat or cold. Future research should consider additional thermal comfort indices and expand the analysis to include more recent data and a wider range of climate zones