Longer and Hotter Summers Related to Urbanization on a South China Sea Island

Seasonal cycles are essential components of weather and climatic systems. This study utilized observational data from a meteorological station on an island in the South China Sea from 1961 to 2020, along with ERA5 reanalysis data, to explore the variations in seasonal cycles and thermal comfort characteristics on the island. The observational data revealed that the onset of summer on the island occurred earlier each year, whereas the onset of autumn was gradually delayed, leading to an increase in the duration of summer. Urbanization had played an important role in elevating local temperatures and extending the duration of summer. The thermal comfort index exhibited a clear upward trend annually, reflecting a shift towards warmer and less comfortable conditions due to urbanization. From 1961 to 2020, the annual average thermal comfort index indicated that 36 years (60%) were characterized by hot discomfort, and 24 years (40%) were within the comfortable range. The number of comfortable days per year on the island exhibited a declining trend. Urbanization markedly influenced the thermal comfort levels on the island, contributing to an annual increase in the number of hot discomfort days. However, the reanalysis data did not reflect the actual observed changes in the comfort characteristics on the island.