The 113th episode of the Behind the Science podcast featured Dr. John Manalo, a weather specialist from DOST PAGASA, who explained through his research a question many Filipinos can relate to: why do cities feel much hotter than nearby provinces? As more buildings, roads, and industries continue to grow, this everyday experience is becoming more concerning and important to understand.
At the center of Dr. Manalo’s research is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where cities become significantly warmer than nearby rural areas. This occurs because materials such as concrete and asphalt absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, while limited vegetation reduces natural cooling. As a result, urban areas tend to remain warm even after sunset, unlike rural environments where heat fades more quickly.
By looking at long-term temperature data and satellite images of city lights at night, Dr. Manalo found that cities are heating up faster than rural areas. The difference is more evident at night, when temperatures do not cool down as much as they used to. This shows how urban development traps heat and affects local climate conditions.
Dr. Manalo’s work is supported by a strong academic foundation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Theoretical Physics from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, completed his Master’s degree at University of the Philippines through a scholarship, and obtained his PhD from Tokyo Metropolitan University. His expertise in climate and weather systems continues to inform both research and public understanding of climate-related risks. Drawing from this experience, he encourages aspiring researchers to engage in technical discussions, as this helps build confidence and familiarity with scientific language and concepts.
These findings highlight the need for stronger action in how cities are planned and managed. Rising urban heat is not just a matter of comfort but also a growing disaster risk. Integrating greener spaces, improving urban design, and using science-based data in decision-making can help reduce heat related risks and protect communities. As urbanization continues, applying research like this in policy and practice would be essential in building more climate and disaster resilient communities.
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Research Spotlight:
Manalo JA, Matsumoto J, Takahashi HG, Villafuerte MQ, Olaguera LMP, Ren G, Cinco TA. 2022. The effect of urbanization on temperature indices in the Philippines. International Journal of Climatology. 42(2):850–867. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.7276
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