DETECTING AND ANALYZING URBAN HEAT ISLAND OF AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

One of the most notable climatic phenomena associated with urbanization is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This research aim to detect and analyze Urban Heat Island of Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, using remote sensing and GIS technology to comprehensively understand, monitor, and mitigate the Urban Heat effect in the study area. This research explores the dynamics of urban heat islands (UHIs) by analyzing l and use changes, temperature variations, and population growth in Akinyele LGA, Oyo State using Landsat 7 & 8 datasets and ArcGIS Software. Accuracy assessments were performed by comparing classified land cover maps with ground coordinates. Result shows that from 2004 to 2024, land use shifted significantly: Urban or built-up areas increased from 14.04% to 23.09%, forest areas increased from 29.78% to 37.82%, and light vegetation reduced from 56.18% to 39.09%. Concurrently, temperature data reveals a rising trend, the mean temperature increased from 29.574°C in 2004 to a 31.583°C in 2024. The population of Akinyele is projected to grow from 211,811 in 2006 to approximately 315,361 by 2024, driven by an annual growth rate of 2.39%. The future projections for urban land cover and land surface temperature (LST) indicate a significant rise in built-up areas and temperatures. The Built-up area is expected to reach 119.71 by 2034. Also, the LST is projected to rise to 36.031°C by 2034. This accelerated expansion of built-up areas intensifies the Urban Heat Island effect. These projections highlight the urgent need for effective urban planning strategy to mitigate the impacts of rapid urbanization and rising temperatures.