Spatial variations in thermal comfort between urban and rural environments in Juiz de Fora (MG)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze thermal comfort in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil, by comparing urban and rural environments during the summer. Hourly temperature and relative humidity data, collected simultaneously between January 19th and 22nd, 2025, were used to calculate the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). The results show differences between the two environments, indicating that the urban area tends to retain heat, maintaining higher air temperatures, especially at night. In the rural environment, temperatures responded more quickly to solar radiation, resulting in a greater temperature range. Thus, it is concluded that urbanization directly influences thermal comfort, prolonging hot conditions in the urban environment.