Outdoor standard evaluation of heat index and climate parameters for Lahore, Pakistan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pakistan has been particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, according to the Climate Risk Index 2025. Heat waves during peak seasons impact people’s ability to adapt and implement mitigation measures. Lahore's climate data, including dry bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH), wind speed and cloud cover, from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. It has been analyzed for over 12 months for outdoor thermal comfort standards and apparent temperature at noon and midnight, based on international outdoor and heat index standards. The DBT exhibits a predicted regression ( R 2 = 0.51) and a moderate bivariate correlation ( p < 0.05) with cloud cover, RH, and wind speed. Climate averages for the year are assessed against outdoor standards and the Heat Index. Conditions are comfortable in April and October, with suitable temperatures and RH, light breezes and mostly clear skies. Apparent outdoor temperatures exceeding 33°C pose health risks from June to September at night and from April to October at noon. The high average apparent temperature of 32.9°C from June to September indicates hazardous conditions. A downward trend in moving averages for DBT (-0.03°C) and RH (-0.06 %), and an upward trend in wind speed (0.02m/s) and cloud cover (0.05oktas) suggest a climate change scenario for Lahore. The study highlights Lahore’s increased risk of heat waves from April to October and higher RH during monsoon seasons, leading to floods and water stress due to poor urban and water management. Calm winds and partial cloud cover contribute to wind drafts and radiations trapping in the atmosphere. It is recommended to add a yearly evaluation of the changes occurring in climate variables and propose relevant interventions in all fields, specifically in buildings and urbanism.
Language: English
Topic: Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4417105542