Influence Of Urbanization On Minimum And Maximum Temperature Characteristics Over Mombasa City

Abstract

The constant development of water proof non-natural surfaces in urban areas due to population stress has considerably influenced the thermal environment of urban centres.This research project examined the influence of urbanization (as measured by population density) on maximum and minimum temperature over Mombasa city.The above was achieved by examining monthly maximum and minimum temperature data obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) for the period 1989 to 2009 and population census data from Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KNBS) for 1979, 1989,1999 and 2009 census periods.The city experienced drastic development changes due to augmented population during this period. For data quality control,single mass curve was used while trend analysis and coefficient of variability were used to realize the specific objectives of the study. Seasonal analysis of temperature revealed two seasons ;hot season (December to April) and cold season (May to November).Nevertheless,inter-annual variability of both maximum and minimum temperature demonstrated apositive significant trend from the year 1989 to 2009.This was attributable to urbanization associated with demographic pressure.Moreover,the urban-ruralcomparison ofmaximum and minimum temperature between Mombasa(highlyurbanized) and Voiarea (suburban) revealed that Mombasa experiences highe rminimum temperature during cold season. Correlation analyses indicated that the urban temperature in Mombasa was significantly positively correlated with population density.Fortheen tire period of study, minimum temperature increased by 0.48ocper decade and maximum temperature by 0.50oc perdecade.The end results showed astrong confirmation of the influences of urbanization as measured by population density on the urban air temperature of Mombasa city.