1. Introduction
The rapid process of global urbanization has brought about significant changes in urban areas, exacerbating issues such as air pollution, rising infrastructure costs, the increased demand for public services, and the depletion of land resources [
1,
2]. Additionally, urbanization has contributed to the intensification of extreme and unexpected meteorological phenomena, including heavy rainfall and strong wind events, which have become more frequent and severe in metropolitan areas [
3]. Understanding the past, current, and future atmospheric conditions associated with these events is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to reduce their negative impacts [
4].
One of the primary meteorological challenges in urban environments is the formation of tornadoes and strong wind events, which often result from the interaction between cold, dry downdrafts and rising warm, humid air [
5]. These short-lived but highly intense phenomena are typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds and low atmospheric pressure at the tornado’s core [
6]. However, their sudden onset complicates monitoring and communication efforts [
7]. Certain geographical similarities have been observed among tornado-prone regions, such as the Pearl River Delta [
8] and the Yangtze River in China [
9], as well as the Mississippi Valley in the United States [
10].
Many authors affirm that since the Industrial Revolution occurred, especially in Europe, urban climate conditions have undergone significant transformations, affected by the increasing use of concrete and the reduction in green areas [
11,
12]. This has contributed to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, where urban areas experience higher temperatures than the surrounding rural regions [
13,
14,
15]. The UHI effect disrupts the spatial distribution around different topographical positions of key meteorological variables such as minimum and maximum absolute temperatures, atmospheric pressure, wind patterns, cloud cover, and precipitation [
16,
17].
The UHI phenomenon can be categorized into two types [
18,
19]: (i) Surface Heat Islands, where buildings and pavements absorb heat during the day, raising surface temperatures by an average of 2 °C, with peaks up to 8 °C, and (ii) Atmospheric Heat Islands, where urban air remains warmer than the surrounding rural areas. It is well known that the intensity of the UHI varies depending on the urban morphology and has a significant impact on local livelihood conditions and thermal comfort [
20,
21,
22].
The urban form and building typologies and materials play a crucial role in modifying local wind patterns and UHI intensity. Factors such as reduced permeable surfaces, increased solar absorption materials, anthropogenic heat release, and restricted ventilation contribute to this effect [
23,
24]. Public buildings, streets, and air conditioning systems contribute to heat accumulation, while vehicle emissions further increase urban temperatures [
25]. The arrangement of buildings can restrict natural ventilation, preventing airflow from cooling city interiors [
26]. Parameters such as building height, street width, aspect ratio, and open space availability influence solar heat gain, radiation losses, and convective cooling [
27].
The urban heat island (UHI) effect influences local microclimatic conditions by generating temperature and pressure differences between urban and rural areas, mainly due to the concentration of impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain heat [
15,
24]. This thermal rise raises the air temperature over urban areas, causing it to expand and rise, which can result in areas of low atmospheric pressure in urban centers [
20]. While these thermal contrasts can affect wind behavior on a local scale, it is important to note that strong wind phenomena are mainly determined by larger scale atmospheric processes.
In dense urban fabrics, the resulting airflow driven in part by local pressure gradients may be funneled through narrow streets and between tall buildings, thereby accelerating wind speed in specific corridors [
2]. However, it is essential to distinguish between broader scale wind events, which are climatic in nature, and the modulation of wind patterns at the urban microclimate level, which depends heavily on the built environment.
In countries like Colombia, recent studies indicate that high wind events in the city of Soledad between 2001 and 2019 occurred predominantly at temperatures above 30 °C, with 72.4% of the cases being recorded among the three highest temperatures of their respective months [
28]. This suggests a direct relationship between increasing temperatures and the occurrence of pre-storm events. Wind circulation in urban areas may mitigate the effects of the UHI, but reduced airflow may exacerbate heat accumulation [
29]. Research by Pérez-Arévalo et al. [
28] highlights that wind phenomena in Soledad are seasonally dependent, occurring predominantly during the rainy season while being absent in the windy season.
Target 11.9 of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) highlights the need to adopt and implement integrated policies and plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster resilience, and the development and implementation of holistic disaster risk management at all levels, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. Considering the above factors and the guidelines of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the identification of cyclonic winds in specific urban areas, such as Soledad in Colombia, is essential to develop effective mitigation strategies and emergency response measures. The region’s climate, combined with rapid urbanization [
30], makes it a valuable case study for analyzing the interaction between urban heat islands and strong wind events.
Therefore, the main aim of this research is to examine the influence of urban morphology and micrometeorological conditions on the frequency and intensity of cyclonic wind events in Soledad, a coastal city in northern Colombia. For this purpose, we identify areas with historically recurrent aeolian phenomena and evaluate whether local microclimates and urban configurations contribute to their occurrence.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Air 2 m Temperature
The results showed that areas with a Compact Low-Rise urban fabric (LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C) experienced significantly higher temperatures compared to open urban areas (LCZ F-A) and the reference airport station (ECS). The temperature readings for LCZ 3-B were on average 4.6 °C higher than those recorded at ECS. This is consistent with studies on the UHI effect, where densely built environments store and re-radiate heat, leading to higher local temperatures [
24,
46]. Similarly, LCZ 3-B was 1.2 °C warmer than LCZ F-A, demonstrating how impervious surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete) and reduced vegetation amplify localized heating [
15,
47].
The slight difference between LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C (0.13 °C) suggests that vegetation within the urban canyon may play a minor role in temperature regulation. While vegetation typically mitigates heat through shading and evapotranspiration [
11,
48], the compact urban structure may limit these effects, reinforcing the need for more extensive greenery or different architectural adaptations. The orientation of the urban canyon (east–west) also contributes to heat retention, as narrower streets and dense buildings trap solar radiation, reducing ventilation and heat dissipation [
42,
49].
The largest temperature differences (
Table 2) were observed between the compact urban areas (LCZ 3-B) and the airport station (ECS), averaging 4.6 °C. This difference aligns with previous studies that highlight the significant temperature gradient between urban and peri-urban areas, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates [
50,
51]. The ECS station, located in an open area with minimal built structures, experiences greater air circulation and lower heat retention, reinforcing its role as a more thermally stable reference point.
These findings emphasize the role of urban morphology in local temperature variations. The results confirm that compact, impervious surfaces contribute significantly to higher temperatures, reinforcing the well-documented UHI effect in rapidly urbanizing areas. While the vegetation presence in LCZ 3-C provided a minor cooling effect, its impact was not substantial enough to offset urban heating. This suggests that a combination of increased vegetative cover, reflective roofing materials, and improved urban ventilation strategies may be necessary to mitigate excessive heat accumulation in densely built areas [
38,
52].
3.2. Land Surface Temperature (LST)
Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a critical indicator in urban climate studies, as it directly reflects the thermal properties of surfaces and their response to solar radiation [
53,
54]. This study recorded two types of surface temperature measurements:
- 4.
ST-S (Surface Temperature at Street) (
Table 3): Temperature recorded at the center of the road in each urban canyon.
The highest surface temperature values were observed at LCZ 3-B, which had an average temperature of 39.9 °C. LCZ 3-B was 1.9 °C warmer than LCZ F-A (Bare Soil/Sand), which can be attributed to differences in the albedo and thermal inertia of the surface materials. Sand and natural surfaces have higher albedo and lower heat storage capacity than concrete and asphalt, leading to lower daytime surface temperatures [
55]. LCZ 3-B was also 1.84 °C warmer than LCZ 3-C, which highlights the impact of vegetation shading in reducing surface heating. The presence of trees in LCZ 3-C limits direct solar radiation exposure, leading to cooler street temperatures, consistent with findings from studies on urban greenery and cooling effects [
54,
56].
- 5.
ST-R (Surface Temperature at Roof) (
Table 4): Temperature recorded on the roof surfaces of the adjacent buildings in LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C.
Roof temperatures showed an even greater difference, with LCZ 3-B averaging 5.3 °C warmer than LCZ 3-C. The high temperatures at LCZ 3-B can be attributed to the properties of the roofing material. Most buildings in this zone had asbestos–cement roofs, which have high heat retention properties, unlike lighter colored or vegetated roofs that reflect more solar radiation [
52]. In contrast, LCZ 3-C, which was surrounded by vegetation, showed significantly lower temperatures. The presence of trees can influence roof temperatures by reducing solar exposure and enhancing evapotranspiration [
11,
55]. The differences observed between LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C align with studies demonstrating the effectiveness of green roofs and tree shading in reducing heat accumulation on urban surfaces [
52,
56], which are even used in other parts of the world to collect water efficiently [
57].
The findings highlight that urban construction materials influence LST—concrete and asphalt surfaces contribute to higher temperatures due to their low albedo and high thermal mass, exacerbating the UHI effect [
47]. Additionally, vegetation presence reduces street and roof temperatures—tree shading and evapotranspiration play a key role in cooling urban surfaces, supporting strategies such as increased tree canopy cover and the implementation of green roofs [
11,
49]. According to these findings, urban planning strategies should consider material selection and vegetation integration—cool pavements, reflective roofing materials, and urban green infrastructure can help to mitigate excessive surface heating in dense urban areas [
50,
53,
58,
59].
3.3. Additional Heat Influence
The additional heat generated in urban environments plays a crucial role in local atmospheric dynamics, influencing convection, storm intensity, and even extreme weather events [
60,
61]. The UHI effect, driven by heat retention in built-up areas, enhances the lifting of warm, moist air from the surface, potentially intensifying convective processes and affecting storm development [
48,
62].
Table 5 presents heat values across different LCZs, showing significant temperature differences between compact urban areas and vegetated zones.
According to these findings on urban heat accumulation and temperature gradients, compact urban areas (LCZ 3-B) showed the highest heat values, averaging 38.8 °C, compared to 37.1 °C in both LCZ F-A (open fabric) and LCZ 3-C (vegetated canyon). The temperature gradient ΔT
1 = 1.7 °C between LCZ 3-B and LCZ F-A highlights the role of surface materials in heat retention. Concrete and asphalt surfaces store heat more efficiently than natural surfaces, leading to higher thermal loads during the day [
51,
53]. The difference between LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C (ΔT
2 = 1.65 °C) underscores the cooling effect of vegetation, which mitigates heat accumulation through shading and evapotranspiration [
11,
49].
Heat is linked to storm dynamics, as heat accumulation in dense urban environments contributes to enhanced convection, where warm air rises and interacts with cooler layers of the atmosphere [
63]. The interaction of rising warm air with cooler upper layers can increase storm intensity, a phenomenon observed in multiple studies on urban-induced weather modifications [
64,
65]. In a tropical storm context, the urban heat gradient can contribute to the formation of vortices, which, under certain meteorological conditions, may evolve into tornadoes or cyclogenesis events [
66]. High surface temperatures can also enhance downdrafts and gust fronts, affecting storm development by altering wind speed and direction [
8].
Thus, the pivotal role of relative humidity in severe weather formation emerges: high relative humidity in the lower atmosphere is a key factor in storm formation, as it provides the necessary moisture for convective development [
67,
68]. The ECS recorded the highest relative humidity values (
Section 3.5), suggesting a favorable environment for intense convective storms. Urban areas with high heat retention but lower humidity levels may experience stronger updrafts but limited moisture availability, potentially leading to dry convective processes or microbursts instead of sustained thunderstorms [
69].
The observed heat patterns highlight the critical role of urban form in modifying local atmospheric processes. Key findings include how urban materials significantly impact heat retention, with denser areas experiencing higher temperatures due to lower albedo and higher thermal inertia [
53]. Additionally, vegetation presence reduces urban heat, emphasizing the importance of urban greening strategies to mitigate excessive heating and promote thermal comfort [
11]. Another crucial factor is urban heat, since it can intensify storm dynamics, contributing to increased convection and potential vortex formation in tropical storm environments [
70]. Finally, the role of high humidity in lower atmospheric layers has been highlighted to enhance severe weather formation, with potential implications for storm forecasting in urbanized regions [
71].
Given these findings, urban planning should prioritize cooling strategies such as reflective materials, green infrastructure, and heat-aware building designs to mitigate storm-enhancing effects in rapidly growing cities.
3.4. Wind Speed (Ws)
Wind speed (
Table 6) plays a critical role in urban microclimate regulation, affecting thermal comfort, pollutant dispersion, and storm dynamics [
72,
73]. Urban environments significantly alter wind flow due to surface roughness, building density, and canyon effects, leading to lower wind speeds in compact areas and increased turbulence in open spaces [
63,
74].
These results reveal that urban density is related to wind speed reduction. The lowest wind speeds were recorded in LCZ 3-B (0.92 m s
−1 on average), followed by LCZ 3-C (1.00 m s
−1), with significantly higher values in ECS (2.30 m s
−1). The reduced wind flow in LCZ 3-B can be attributed to its Compact Low-Rise morphology, which increases surface roughness and disrupts air circulation [
75]. Conversely, LCZ F-A (open urban fabric) exhibited an average wind speed of 1.41 m s
−1, higher than LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C, reflecting the effect of reduced building obstruction on wind penetration [
76].
Likewise, the findings show the connection between the urban canyon effect and wind flow disruptions. Wind speed patterns indicate a clear canyon effect, where buildings in compact zones (LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C) create narrow, enclosed pathways that restrict airflow and induce wind stagnation [
39]. The wind speed difference between LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C (0.92 m s
−1 vs. 1.00 m s
−1) suggests that vegetation within urban canyons can slightly enhance wind flow by reducing thermal-induced turbulence [
39].
Thus, these results have implications for thermal comfort and pollution dispersion. Lower wind speeds in LCZ 3-B contribute to greater heat retention, exacerbating the UHI effect by reducing convective cooling [
53,
77]. Limited airflow in dense urban areas also hinders pollutant dispersion, increasing air pollution concentrations, particularly in high-emission zones [
78,
79]. Additionally, the higher wind speeds at ECS (2.30 m s
−1) reflect the open nature of the airport environment, where minimal surface obstructions allow for stronger wind flow and improved air mixing [
80].
The results underscore the importance of urban form in modulating wind speed, with compact zones experiencing significantly reduced airflow. Key considerations may include the following: (i) densely built environments (LCZ 3-B) lead to lower wind speeds, exacerbating heat retention and air stagnation [
68]; (ii) urban canyons restrict airflow, but vegetation can marginally mitigate these effects by altering turbulence patterns [
80]; (iii) higher wind speeds in open areas (ECS and LCZ F-A) highlight the importance of integrating open spaces in urban design to enhance ventilation and reduce UHI intensity [
79]; and (iv) compact urban design should incorporate wind corridors and strategic green infrastructure to improve air circulation and mitigate pollution accumulation [
53].
Future urban development should incorporate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and aerodynamic urban planning to optimize wind flow and thermal comfort in growing metropolitan areas.
3.5. Relative Humidity
Relative humidity (RH) (
Table 7) is a critical factor in urban climatology, influencing thermal comfort, evaporation rates, and atmospheric stability [
68]. In urban environments, RH is affected by land cover, vegetation density, surface moisture retention, and heat emissions [
60]. The relationship between urban temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed determines microclimatic conditions and contributes to UHI intensity [
77,
81,
82].
The results show a clear inverse relationship between urban density and relative humidity (ΔRH3). The urban core (LCZ 3-B) recorded the lowest RH values (58.0%), compared to LCZ F-A (60.1%) and LCZ 3-C (57.4%). ECS (77.6%) had the highest RH values, consistent with its open, non-urbanized characteristics [
82,
83]. Additionally, Compact Low-Rise urban zones (LCZ 3-B) exhibited lower RH values due to reduced evapotranspiration and increased surface heating, leading to enhanced moisture depletion [
77].
The findings also demonstrate the relationship between the UHI effect and humidity reduction, as the lowest humidity values occurred at 12:00–14:00, coinciding with peak temperatures and reduced evaporative cooling [
53,
84]. The temperature–humidity interaction in LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C shows how dense urban areas suppress moisture retention, intensifying the UHI effect [
68,
76]. LCZ 3-C, despite having some vegetation, recorded humidity levels similar to LCZ 3-B, suggesting that sparse vegetation may not be sufficient to offset moisture loss under extreme heat conditions [
48].
Likewise, it has been proven how vegetation influences urban humidity regulation. LCZ F-A recorded higher RH levels than LCZ 3-B, indicating the role of open spaces and soil moisture in humidity retention [
85]. Vegetation contributes to RH through evapotranspiration, as demonstrated by the higher RH values in LCZ 3-C (57.36%) compared to LCZ 3-B (58.02%), albeit with a marginal difference [
77,
78]. Increased green infrastructure and permeable surfaces in cities can mitigate humidity loss, helping to maintain more stable microclimates in dense urban areas [
42].
All the above have implications for urban comfort and health. Low RH values in compact urban zones contribute to heat stress, increasing discomfort levels, especially during midday [
85]. Thus, drier urban environments can intensify respiratory issues and dehydration risks, particularly in vulnerable populations [
60]. These findings highlight the need for urban cooling strategies, including the implementation of urban forests, green walls, and permeable pavements to enhance humidity retention and mitigate UHI effects [
49,
77].
The results demonstrate the strong influence of urban form and land cover on humidity dynamics, with compact areas experiencing significant RH reductions. Thus, official urban planning documents should consider the following: (i) densely built environments (LCZ 3-B) experience a substantial drop in RH, exacerbating heat stress and reducing urban cooling potential [
63]; (ii) open areas (LCZ F-A) maintain higher RH levels, reinforcing the need for urban planners to integrate open spaces to balance urban moisture loss [
86]; (iii) vegetation can mitigate humidity loss, but its impact is limited in highly compact areas, requiring a multi-layered approach to urban greening [
77]; and (iv) future urban designs should prioritize water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) strategies, incorporating permeable surfaces, blue–green infrastructure, and shaded pedestrian corridors to improve humidity retention [
78].
3.6. Atmospheric Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure Anomalies
Atmospheric pressure (
Table 8) is a crucial factor in storm development, playing a significant role in cyclogenesis, convective activity, and severe weather formation [
87,
88]. In tropical regions, pressure variations are typically smaller than in mid and high latitudes due to the relative stability of temperature and solar radiation throughout the year [
89]. However, localized pressure anomalies—such as those observed in this study (
Table 9)—can enhance meteorological phenomena by altering wind dynamics, increasing vertical wind shear, and intensifying convection [
67].
An anomaly is a difference from a defined long-term average. Positive/negative values of this parameter indicate that the mean sea level pressure is higher/lower than the long-term average. The long-term average is typically derived from several decades of model data and will vary with location and time of year [
90].
The mean sea level pressure is the pressure (force per unit area) of the atmosphere adjusted to the height of mean sea level; in tropical areas, its mean value is 1010 mb. For example, the values of anomalies in atmospheric pressure (APA) may indicate the arrival of storms, hurricanes, or cold fronts, helping to understand extreme weather patterns and signs of events such as tornadoes or cyclones [
43]. The data revealed a consistent negative pressure anomaly across all locations, with the most significant deviations occurring at ECS (up to −6.42 mb at 15:00). LCZ F-A, LCZ 3-B, and LCZ 3-C exhibited weaker negative anomalies, reflecting the potential influence of urban structures in stabilizing pressure fluctuations [
68]. ECS, located near an airport, displayed the strongest pressure anomalies, which may have been attributed to open terrain effects, reduced surface roughness, and greater exposure to mesoscale pressure systems [
90].
Low-pressure systems enhance convective activity by promoting the ascent of warm, moist air, which can lead to deep convection, severe thunderstorms, and even tornado formation [
40,
43]. The most significant negative anomalies at 15:00 h coincided with the highest temperature differentials, suggesting an increased potential for extreme weather events [
67]. Pressure gradients between urban and rural areas may intensify wind speeds and enhance vertical wind shear, which is a key ingredient in cyclogenesis and tornado formation [
89].
Urban morphology plays a role in modifying local wind patterns, leading to the creation of small-scale vortices, turbulence, and wind eddies [
45]. Cities can alter the trajectory of convective storms, concentrating their impact within urban areas due to surface heating and roughness effects [
66]. Thus, the UHI contributes to sustained low-pressure zones, potentially strengthening storm updrafts and wind circulation [
49,
63]. In our study case, it had implications for tornado formation. When a tropical tornado forms near a city, urban micrometeorology can alter wind speeds, enhance turbulence, and redirect storm trajectories [
71].
The interaction between urban heat, moisture retention, and pressure anomalies can contribute to the intensification of convective updrafts, potentially increasing tornado risks [
86,
89]. In our case, the highest temperature and humidity values at 15:00 h in ECS and LCZ F-A corresponded to the strongest pressure anomalies, reinforcing the link between low-pressure systems, urban-induced temperature differentials, and extreme weather formation [
43,
87].
These findings indicate that negative atmospheric pressure anomalies, urban heat effects, and wind dynamics interact to shape storm behavior in urban environments.
3.7. Impact of Vegetation and Urban Canyons on Urban Typologies
Vegetation plays a critical role in mitigating urban heat by influencing air temperature, surface temperature, and microclimatic conditions [
91]. Through shading (solar radiation interception) and transpiration cooling, trees significantly reduce UHI effects, offering essential ecosystem services that enhance urban health and well-being [
12].
The SVF represents the proportion of the visible sky from a given point and is a key determinant of urban climate and pedestrian thermal comfort. In urban settings, a lower SVF corresponds to increased shading and reduced solar radiation, which directly impacts local temperature regulation. In the study area (
Figure 5 for LCZ 3-A, B, and C), LCZ 3-B exhibits an SVF of approximately 1, indicating a high sky visibility with minimal obstructions, whereas LCZ 3-C, with a lower SVF, benefits from shading effects due to a greater presence of vegetation and surrounding structures. These differences contribute to variations in surface and air temperatures, emphasizing the role of urban form in modifying microclimatic conditions. The results align with previous studies [
48], which highlight the influence of SVF on urban heat distribution and thermal comfort.
LCZ 3-A is characterized as a recreational or open area. The sample surface area is 12,943.97 m
2, with a total leaf area of 2661.11 m
2, indicating a relatively low vegetation density. The calculated Leaf Area Index (LAI) of 0.20 confirms this, as it falls below the recommended range of 0.50 to 3 for effective cooling through transpiration and shading [
92]. Given the large proportion of permeable surfaces (7611.06 m
2), this area likely facilitates water infiltration and mitigates surface runoff. However, the absence of a defined height-to-width ratio (H/W) suggests an open environment with minimal structural obstruction, influencing microclimatic conditions differently from compact urban zones.
LCZ 3-B is a compact urban area with sparse vegetation. The sample surface area is 17,135 m
2, yet the total leaf area is only 72 m
2, resulting in an extremely low LAI of 0.0042. This minimal vegetation cover significantly reduces the potential for transpiration and shading, which are key factors in mitigating urban heat [
45]. Additionally, the height-to-width ratio (H/W) of 1 suggests a densely built environment with restricted airflow, contributing to heat retention and reduced natural ventilation. The very limited permeable area (2.5 m
2) further exacerbates surface runoff and decreases evaporative cooling, reinforcing conditions favorable to UHI effects.
LCZ 3-C represents a dense urban area with relatively higher vegetation coverage. Despite its low LAI of 0.14—still below the threshold for moderate vegetation—it is significantly higher than that of LCZ 3-B, suggesting a better capacity for shading and cooling through transpiration. The total leaf area of 4302.57 m2 further reinforces this improved vegetative presence. Additionally, the low height-to-width (H/W) ratio of 0.25 indicates a more open urban layout, promoting better air circulation and heat dissipation. These factors contribute to a microclimate that, while still impacted by urban heating, benefits from increased natural cooling mechanisms.
3.8. Vegetation Influence on Temperature and Wind Dynamics
The LAI quantifies vegetation density and its ability to intercept solar radiation, reduce urban heat, and enhance cooling through evapotranspiration. The study reveals that LAI values are consistently low across the selected sites, with LCZ 3-B exhibiting a particularly sparse vegetative cover compared to LCZ 3-C. Despite this, LCZ 3-C’s LAI is 33 times higher than LCZ 3-B, reinforcing the correlation between vegetation density and localized cooling effects. Conversely, LCZ F-A has 70% more vegetation than LCZ 3-C and 47.61 times more than LCZ 3-B. However, this comparison is limited due to distinct urban typologies—LCZ F-A represents open terrain with bare soil, which inherently alters microclimatic behavior. Prior research [
92,
93] has demonstrated that areas with higher LAI values experience lower surface and air temperatures due to increased shading and moisture retention. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate heat stress and enhance thermal comfort.
3.9. Urban Canyon Effects on Temperature and Wind Flow
Urban morphology plays a fundamental role in temperature distribution, ventilation patterns, and heat dissipation. Urban Canopy Models (UCMs) typically rely on the urban canyon archetype [
50,
94]. The height-to-width (H/W) ratio of urban canyons significantly influences air circulation and thermal exchange. In this study, LCZ 3-B presents an H/W ratio of 1, indicating a relatively enclosed urban canyon with restricted airflow, whereas LCZ 3-C has an H/W ratio of 0.25, allowing for better ventilation and heat dissipation. The data suggest that areas with higher H/W ratios tend to retain more heat, leading to elevated temperatures and reduced wind speeds, a trend consistent with previous urban climate studies [
50,
94]. The interplay between building configuration, surface materials, and vegetation cover highlights the importance of strategic urban design in optimizing thermal and airflow conditions within cities.
In this case study, LCZ 3-B (H/W = 1) exhibits the highest temperatures and lowest wind speeds, suggesting reduced ventilation and increased heat retention. LCZ 3-C (H/W = 0.25) experiences better ventilation and lower temperatures, aligning with findings on urban cooling through open street geometries [
95]. LCZ 3-A, lacking an urban canyon structure, experiences different thermal and wind flow behaviors, making direct comparisons with built-up areas less relevant.
The data confirm that higher H/W ratios correlate with elevated surface and air temperatures, as well as lower wind speeds. In particular, LCZ 3-B exhibits the highest temperatures and the weakest wind circulation, associated with compact building layouts and impervious surfaces. Interestingly, neighborhoods with this configuration have also reported the highest recurrence of wind-related damage over the last two decades.
These findings suggest that while cyclonic winds are generated by mesoscale or synoptic-scale atmospheric processes [
85], their intensity and impact at the neighborhood level may be modulated by urban morphological and microclimatic conditions. Urban form influences air turbulence, wind channeling through street canyons, and the formation of localized vortices, potentially amplifying the destructiveness of extreme wind events [
44].
Although microclimatic variables alone do not generate wind phenomena, they shape the physical context in which those events unfold, especially in compact zones with reduced vegetation, limited ventilation corridors, and high surface roughness [
44].
3.10. Implications for Urban Climate Adaptation
This study contributes to the understanding of how urban morphology and microclimate interact with extreme weather phenomena. In rapidly urbanizing tropical regions, unplanned growth and the use of thermally inefficient materials not only exacerbate urban heat island (UHI) effects [
47,
95], but also influence the behavior of atmospheric processes such as cyclonic winds at the local scale [
47,
48,
95].
While classical authors such as Oke et al. (2017) [
63] emphasize the influence of factors such as vegetation cover, Sky View Factor (SVF), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and urban geometry on thermal regulation, new theoretical perspectives suggest a multiscale approach, integrating physical and socio-ecological factors to ensure that nature-based solutions not only improve thermal comfort [
96,
97], but also address urban inequalities and climate resilience [
22].
The contrast between LCZ 3-B and LCZ 3-C, where marked thermal differences are evident from slight variations in vegetation or building layout, corroborates the sensitivity of the urban environment to physical factors [
98]. However, authors such as [
99] argue that these differences can also be modulated by cultural, economic, and local governance aspects, which determine unequal access to the benefits of nature-based solutions [
100].
Compact neighborhoods with high H/W ratios and low LAI values, such as LCZ 3-B, can act as microclimatic amplifiers [
101], exhibiting increased heat retention, stagnant airflow, and a structural configuration conducive to wind acceleration or pressure differentials [
35,
42]. These conditions may not cause wind phenomena per se, but may intensify their local consequences, especially in convective scenarios [
10,
27].
Therefore, adaptation strategies should consider a dual lens: (i) mitigating heat stress through green infrastructure, reflective materials, and open street layouts [
101,
102,
103]; and (ii) buffering wind effects by avoiding urban forms that concentrate or accelerate airflows in vulnerable areas [
24,
44]. Planning should incorporate wind vulnerability maps based on LCZ typologies and take advantage of simulation tools to assess wind–morphology interactions [
104].
This research presents certain limitations. One of them lies in the temporal scope of the data collection, which was conducted over a relatively short period and may not have fully captured seasonal or interannual variability in microclimatic conditions. Furthermore, spatial resolution was constrained by the number of instruments available and logistical access to all areas of interest, potentially limiting the generalizability of some localized findings. This study also did not incorporate high-resolution computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling or long-term observational datasets, which could provide deeper insights into wind behavior and thermal distribution influenced by urban morphology.
To address these gaps, future monitoring periods will be extended to cover a wider range of climatic conditions across seasons, which will increase the robustness of the observed correlations. We also intend to incorporate simulation tools, such as ENVI-met V5.7.2 or CFD models, to analyze microclimatic interactions in controlled variable scenarios. In addition, future research will examine the interaction effects between SVF, LAI, and other morphological indicators, such as building height variability, street orientation, and surface albedo, to better understand their combined impact on urban microclimates. These efforts will help to build a more holistic and transferable framework for applying micrometeorological knowledge in urban planning and climate adaptation strategies.
4. Conclusions and Recommendations
This study highlights the influence of urban morphology, vegetation, and atmospheric conditions on microclimatic variations, particularly concerning extreme weather events. Areas with a compact urban fabric and low vegetation, such as LCZ 3-B, exhibit higher temperatures and lower wind speeds, whereas LCZ 3-C, with its greater vegetation density, benefits from cooling effects and improved airflow. The urban canyon effect, as reflected in the height-to-width ratio, plays a crucial role in heat retention and ventilation patterns, reinforcing its importance in urban heat island mitigation. The negative atmospheric pressure anomalies observed, especially in the ECS station, suggest a microclimatic environment conducive to intense convective activity, which can influence local storm dynamics.
Given these findings, urban planning should prioritize strategies that enhance thermal comfort and reduce localized heating. Increasing vegetation cover, particularly in high-density areas, can mitigate temperature extremes through shading and evapotranspiration. Optimizing street layouts and building configurations to enhance airflow and dissipate heat more efficiently are also essential. Additionally, integrating permeable surfaces can reduce surface temperatures and improve water retention, mitigating urban heat stress. Real-time meteorological monitoring should be expanded to provide better early warning systems for extreme weather events, particularly in areas prone to strong winds and convective activity.
This research has some limitations, including the relatively short observation period and the spatial constraints of the study area. Future research should extend the temporal scope to capture seasonal variations, incorporate high-resolution numerical models to simulate urban–atmospheric interactions, examine the effects of different types of vegetation and materials on microclimate dynamics, incorporate variables such as the influence of greenhouse gas emissions, and evaluate the effect of the materials with which houses are constructed (albedo or heat retention of different types of materials). Addressing these aspects will contribute to a more complete understanding of urban climate processes and support the development of more resilient and sustainable cities, in line with the guidelines of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.