Integrating microclimatic modelling and public perceptions to assess vegetation impact in hot arid cities

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a growing concern in rapidly developing urban areas, as this phenomenon affects thermal comfort, air quality, and environmental sustainability. Vegetation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of UHIs by lowering ground-surface temperatures, enhancing thermal comfort, and improving local climatic conditions. This study presents an analysis of the relationship between vegetation cover and regional climate dynamics, with Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as the study region. A comprehensive spatial analysis was conducted by integrating field measurements, computer modeling, and public opinion surveys. Three urban settings—main roads, secondary roads, and public parks—were examined using seasonal temperature data, ground surface temperature measurements, sky visibility factor (SVF) values, and local climate simulations conducted using ENVI-met. Furthermore, a systematic questionnaire survey was conducted to verify the simulation results and assess the perceptions of residents, with respect to the impact of vegetation cover on thermal comfort and urban quality of life. The results indicated a strong correlation between increased vegetation density and improved local climate performance, with clear relationships observed between public perception and the model data. This study is the first to present an integrated assessment that combines remote sensing (RS), local microclimate modeling, and public opinion survey for a hot arid city. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers to formulating effective urban development strategies, while highlighting the importance of nature-based solutions for promoting thermal comfort and facilitating urban sustainability in hot and arid regions.