Monthly rainfall is greater downwind of cities, partially due to
the UHI. Increases in heat within urban centers increases the
length of growing seasons, and decreases the occurrence of weak
tornadoes. The UHI decreases air quality by increasing the
production of pollutants such as ozone, and decreases water quality
as warmer waters flow into area streams, which stresses their
ecosystems. Not all cities have a distinct urban heat island.
Mitigation of the urban heat island effect can be accomplished
through the use of green roofs and the use of lighter-colored
surfaces in urban areas, which reflect more sunlight and absorb
less heat.
Despite concerns raised about its possible contribution to
global warming, comparisons between urban and rural areas show that
the urban heat island effects have little influence on global mean
temperature trends.