Multiscale interpretation of the spatiotemporal variations of heatwaves in relation to urban landscape patterns

With the intensification of global climate warming, extreme high-temperature events have shown a continuous upward trend in mid-latitude regions, and heatwaves have become a major climatic risk affecting urban ecological security and the quality of human living environments. Taking Spain as the study area, which combines diverse climates, complex topography, and rapidly increasing heatwave frequency, this research systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution of heatwaves and their relationships with urban landscape patterns using observational data from 21 meteorological stations between 2023 and August 2025. By applying residual analysis to control for geographical and climatic background factors, the study identifies the independent effects of different landscape types on daytime and nighttime heatwaves. The results indicate that urbanization intensity is the key driver of heatwave increases, with nighttime light intensity showing the strongest positive correlation with the number of heatwave days. Low-height green spaces have a stronger cooling effect at the local scale, whereas the effect of tall trees is relatively limited. Blue-green spaces exhibit differentiated regulatory mechanisms between day and night, and their synergistic configuration can significantly reduce the frequency of heatwave occurrences. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the coupling relationship between urban landscape patterns and thermal environments, and for developing strategies to mitigate heatwave risks.