Urban micro-climate in the City of Fez, Morocco

The proportion of the world’s population living in urban areas is constantly increasing. Different urban shapes result in different microclimates. The way cities are planned and built is therefore important for the global energy use. This study presents results from measurements of street climate in the city of Fez, Morocco, in contrasting traditional and modern housing areas, each with its own problems and qualities. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity were measured in the two types of housing area, during both hot and cold seasons. These preliminary results confirm the night-time heat island phenomenon, while during the day the two areas show different behaviour. Further studies aim at recommendations on how to plan and build new housing areas in the region, to increase urban and indoor thermal comfort