Why are cities getting so hot?

Have you ever walked on a sunny day and noticed how some places feel way hotter than others? That’s because of something called Urban Heat Islands or UHIs. In cities like Mumbai, some places can be much hotter than others, even if they are just a few kilometers apart!

For example, in March, a neighborhood called Ghatkopar in Mumbai was 33°C, but Powai, just 7 km away, was 20°C. That’s a 13°C difference! But why does this happen?

What Makes Cities So Hot?

Cities are full of buildings, roads, and sidewalks made of cement and asphalt. These materials trap heat from the sun. On top of that, cities don’t have enough trees and plants to cool the air. Trees give shade, release moisture, and keep the air cool. Without them, cities become heat traps.

Ghatkopar is packed with buildings and roads, making it super hot. But Powai has a big lake and some greenery, which keeps it cooler.

Why Does This Matter?

Hotter cities mean:

• People feel uncomfortable and can get sick from the heat.

• More electricity is needed for fans and air conditioners, which costs a lot and pollutes more.

• Heat waves are becoming more common and dangerous.

And it’s not just Mumbai! All over the world, as cities grow bigger, they’re becoming hotter. By 2050, 68% of people will live in cities. India, China, and Nigeria will see the most growth.

What Can We Do?

It’s not too late to make cities cooler! Here’s how:

1. Plant more trees – They give shade and cool the air.

2. Use cooler building materials that don’t trap heat.

3. Plan cities better, leaving room for parks and green spaces.

4. Stop cutting down trees for new buildings.

We need to protect our cities from turning into heat ovens. If we don’t act now, our future summers will be hotter and more dangerous!