A Spatial Analysis of Land Surface Temperature Anomalies Across India

This study presents an in-depth analysis of Land Surface Temperature (LST) anomalies across India for 12 years from 2011 to 2022, utilizing the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from the Aqua satellite. The focus is on the annual maximum LST (LSTmax) to characterise the impact of urbanization and land cover changes on surface temperature extremes.Key findings reveal significant spatial and temporal variations in LSTmax, with pronounced anomalies corresponding to a few documented heatwaves. The study confirms that thermal anomalies effectively indicate regions with extreme heat exposure, providing critical insights into the biogeographic influences on India’s thermal environment.The detailed spatial patterns of LST anomalies underscore the importance of considering LSTmax in urban planning and climate change mitigation strategies. Our findings highlight the necessity for enhanced policies and measures to address the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.