Analysing the Interplay of Urbanization, Summer Thermal Comfort Patterns and Ecological Implications in Doha and Al Daayen Municipalities, Qatar

Urbanization and the associated rise in mean surface temperatures have accelerated the degradation of urban environment. This study investigates the impact of rapid urbanization on thermal conditions in Doha and Al Daayen Municipality, Qatar, using Landsat satellite imageries from 2014 to 2024. The study derives Land Surface Temperature (LST), conducts a time series analysis to examine long-term thermal trends, and evaluates the spatial extent and intensity of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) is used to evaluate thermal comfort, while linear regression models analyze the influence of land cover changes—vegetation, built-up areas, water bodies, and bare soil—on LST. Ecological indices such as the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Bare Soil Index (BSI) are employed to understand the impacts of land cover changes on LST. The findings indicate a steady rise in mean LST, with intensified UHI effects in rapidly urbanizing and industrial zones. Between 2014 and 2024, thermally comfortable zones (excellent and good) as per UTFVI declined across the study area, while areas with normal and poor thermal conditions showed a moderate increase. LST was weakly positively correlated with built-up and bare land (NDBI, BSI), and negatively with vegetation and water (SAVI, MNDWI), highlighting the association of vegetation and LST. The study highlights the importance of integrating environmental factors into urban development to improve thermal comfort and promote sustainable urban living.