Urban climatological studies in the Reykjavík subarctic environment, Iceland

The distribution of air temperature and wind speed was investigated in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, during the period from November 1991 to September 1992. The obtained data reveal that the climate in Reykjavík is mainly affected by the subarctic radiation budget, frequent cyclones penetrating into the investigation area and the closeness to the ocean. Nevertheless, Reykjavík shows a weak heat island effect, which converts to a ‘cold island’ by day in mid summer. The anthropogenic heat release amounts to ca. 35 W m−2. The study also indicates that the bioclimate and human comfort in Reykjavík is determined more by a high wind discomfort than by severe winter temperatures or high air pollution typical for high-latitude cities.