Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Human Thermal Comfort in the Urban Coast of Ghana from 1980 to 2020

Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Laiyin Zhu, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kathleen M. Baker, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Israel Orimoloye, Ph.D.

Keywords

Climate change, heat exposure, human thermal comfort, large-scale climate indices, Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), urban coastal Ghana

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

4-1-2027

Abstract

Ghana’s Urban coastal cities face intensified thermal discomfort due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and the urban heat island effect. This study examines the spatial and temporal variations of human thermal comfort in Ghana’s urban coastal region from 1980 to 2020 using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). It also explores the impact of large-scale climate indices on thermal comfort and quantifies population exposure to extreme heat stress. The results show a significant increase in UTCI indices over the study period, with inland cities like Obuasi, Fosu, and Somanya experiencing the highest daytime thermal stress (UTCImax: 37°C–41°C), while coastal cities, such as Accra, Tema, and Winneba, experience higher nighttime thermal stress (UTCImin: 23°C–26°C). The frequency of “very strong heat stress” days has increased by 1.5 to over 2.0 days per year in inland cities, while coastal areas have seen an increase in nighttime heat stress events. February and March were identified as the hottest months, with UTCImax values peaking at 39.13°C. Using a Random Forest model, the analysis revealed that Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) is the most influential predictor of UTCI variability, followed by the Tropical South Atlantic Index (TSA). The study also highlights an increase in population exposure to extreme heat stress. Between 1980–2000 and 2001–2020, exposure to “very strong heat stress” increased by over 1 million person-days, and exposure to “strong heat stress” doubled, surpassing 40 million person-days in the latter period. These findings emphasize the urgent need for climate adaptation policies, urban greening, heat-resilient infrastructure, and public health interventions to mitigate extreme heat risks.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS