Using Local Climate Zone scheme for UHI assessment: Evaluation of the method using mobile measurements

In the context of expansion of cities and raise of climate change awareness, urban planers are looking for methods and tools in order to take into account the urban heat island phenomenon. This study analyzes the way urban fabric modifies urban climate through the utilization of a climate scheme called Local Climate Zone (LCZ). This classification has been applied in Nancy (France). Urban indicators have been calculated so as to build 13 LCZ in the Great Nancy Area. The screen-height air temperature distribution has been investigated inside these LCZ via mobile measurements. Air temperature amplitude has mainly demonstrated lower values at nighttime than in daytime in urbanized LCZ types. Recurrent microscale hotspots and coldspots have been located in LCZ presenting heterogeneous urban fabric. Two Control Sites (CS) have been built in each LCZ. The CS average temperature has revealed good likeness with the spatially averaged air temperature. Average nocturnal air temperature differences between pairs of LCZ types have been obtained. These differences vary from less than 1°°C for close LCZ types to more than 4°°C for dissimilar LCZ types.