Urban heat island impacted by fine particles in Nanjing, China

Atmospheric aerosol particles (especially particles with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 μm, called PM(2.5)) can affect the surface energy balance and atmospheric heating rates and thus may impact the intensity of urban heat islands. In this paper, the effect of fine particles on the urban heat island intensity in Nanjing was investigated via the analysis of observational data and numerical modelling. The observations showed that higher PM(2.5) concentrations over the urban area corresponded to lower urban heat island (UHI) intensities, especially during the day. Under heavily polluted conditions, the UHI intensity was reduced by up to 1 K. The numerical simulation results confirmed the weakening of the UHI intensity due to PM(2.5) via the higher PM(2.5) concentrations present in the urban region than those in the suburban areas. The effects of the fine particles on the UHI reduction were limited to the lowest 500–1000 m. The daily range of the surface air temperature was also reduced by up to 1.1 K due to the particles’ radiative effects. In summary, PM(2.5) noticeably impacts UHI intensity, which should be considered in future studies on air pollution and urban climates.