Abstract

Global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme high-temperature events, with evolution patterns differing substantially under various temperature–humidity combinations. This study used observational data from 21 meteorological stations in Zhejiang Province (1980–2019) and applied a mutually exclusive classification framework based on dual thresholds of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures to categorize extreme high-temperature events into dry-type (DHW), humid-type (HHW), and compound-type (CHW). The results show that DHW frequency, duration, and intensity all exhibited significant increasing trends, with frequency rising at 0.32/10a and intensity at 1.92 °C/10a. HHW occurred with low frequency and showed no significant trend across the study period. CHW intensity increased significantly at 2.85 °C/10a, while frequency and duration remained stable. Spatially, DHW concentrated in northern and central inland areas, whereas CHW dominated along the eastern coastal belt, reflecting the contrasting influences of land–sea thermal contrast and moisture availability. Urbanization showed significant positive correlations with all DHW indicators and negative correlations with HHW trends, indicating an amplifying effect on dry heat through surface warming and reduced evapotranspiration, and a suppressive effect on humid heat through reduced surface moisture availability. These findings demonstrate that the intensification of extreme heat in this region is dominated by dry-type events, and that urbanization plays a dual role in amplifying dry heat while suppressing humid heat, providing a scientific basis for differentiated heat risk management and climate-adaptive urban planning.

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