How does urbanization affect local weather and climate patterns?.

Urbanization modifies local weather and climate by creating urban heat islands, which increase temperatures in cities compared to surrounding areas. This phenomenon is caused by the concentration of buildings, roads, and other heat-absorbing surfaces. Additionally, urban areas can affect precipitation patterns by altering humidity levels and wind flow, leading to localized rainfall differences. The increased surface runoff from impervious surfaces may contribute to flooding, while changes in vegetation can impact local air quality and biodiversity.