Urban heat island (UHI) intensities are lower in urban green spaces than in their
urbanized neighborhood. The phenomenon is called Park Cool Island (PCI). PCI intensities
can be determined on the base of thermal differences between city centers and parks.
Characteristics of the green spaces determine the degree and temporal dynamics of
the thermal differences between the green areas and the built-up surfaces in the settlements.
Results of a one year long UHI and PCI measurement campaign are presented here. 32
measurements were carried out using mobile techniques under different synoptic conditions
in the time of the maximal development of UHI and PCI in the town of Debrecen (population
cca. 220 000) in East Hungary. Beside the UHI, existence of the park cool island has
been proved in Debrecen. Characteristic maximal UHI intensities have been determined
for typical built-up types. The impacts of urban green spaces on the temporal and
spatial dynamics of the development of the UHI and PCI were determined. Annual and
seasonal mean maximal PCI intensities were calculated for Debrecen. Impacts of synoptic
conditions on the development of PCI were taken into account as well. Cooling effects
of the parks was traced in their urban environment.
