What are the effects of urbanization on local weather systems?

Urbanization impacts local weather systems primarily through the creation of urban heat islands, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure. This temperature increase can affect local precipitation patterns, leading to changes in rainfall distribution. Additionally, urban areas often experience increased air pollution, which can further modify weather conditions by affecting cloud formation and precipitation. Mitigating these effects involves sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure implementation.