Geospatial Analysis of Extreme Heat Events in Delhi: Understanding Urban Vulnerability and Climate Resilience

Mohammad Suhail, Alikul Xudoyberdiyevich Ravshanov, Mohd Shakir Khan, Marufdjan Usmanov, Marzhan Yessenbekovna Rakhymberdina, Odil L. Mukhamedov, Murodillo Kadirov, Lutfullo Ziyadullayevich Ibragimov, Waseem Ahmad

2025

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DOI 10.1109/earthsense66084.2025.11297339
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

This study utilizes Terra and Aqua MODIS data to analyze extreme heat events in Delhi, focusing on daily land surface temperature (LST) variations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially recorded a peak temperature of 52.9°C on 29 May 2024, later revised to 49.9°C due to sensor discrepancies. However, this study estimates a maximum temperature of 58.2°C, with an error margin of ±1°C. The findings reveal significant urban heat island (UHI) hotspots, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, high population density, limited vegetation, and vehicular emissions. A temporal analysis from May 17–31, 2024, indicates a peak temperature of 49.2°C and a low of 22.5°C, with an increasing trend of 0.5°C per day. The study further confirms a rise in daytime temperatures and a decline in nighttime temperatures, with pronounced increases on May 26–28 and 31. Statistical analysis (T-test values: 6.53, 35.67, 2.87, and 42.20) validates significant temperature variations. The study underscores the critical role of urban planning and industrial activities in exacerbating extreme heat conditions, advocating targeted interventions such as reforestation, green space expansion, relocation of high-emission industries, and stricter emission regulations to mitigate UHI effects and enhance climate resilience in Delhi.