Spatiotemporal dynamics of urban heat islands under urban growth and climate change in Kenitra, Morocco

Abstract Urban heat islands (UHIs) and regional climate change are interacting to increase the likelihood of heat waves in metropolitan areas. The size and layout of cities are determined mainly by spatial planning and urban transportation rules. Still, the combined effect of these two factors on the likelihood of heat waves is complicated and dependent on several variables. This study uses remote sensing (RS) technologies and spatial analytic tools to investigate the connection between urbanization and climate change in Greater Kenitra, Morocco. The results show that urban growth has exacerbated UHIs, raising surface temperatures and aggravating problems related to significant changes in land cover and usage in the study region. By 2020, bare soil is expected to make up about 55% of the land surface, down from 71% in 1984. In the meantime, vegetation cover increased to 18% by 2020 from an average of 12% between 1984 and 2003. In the same way, the built-up area increased from 6% in 1984 to 17% in 2020. This study offers fresh perspectives on the complex interplay between Morocco’s and North Africa’s urbanization and climate change. Urban planning and climate change adaptation techniques in Kenitra can benefit significantly from the observed effects of urban growth on temperature trends. These findings may also be applicable in other areas with similar geoenvironmental features.