Top 5 weather wonders explained - Page 2 of 8

Cities own microclimate

Some large metropolises have microclimates – that is, their own small climates that differ from the local environment.

Often these are due to the massive amounts of concrete, asphalt and steel; these materials retain and reflect heat and do not absorb water, which keeps a city warmer at night.

This phenomenon specifically is often known as an urban heat island. The extreme energy usage in large cities may also contribute to this.