Exploring the Role of Peri-Urban Vegetation Change in Urban Precipitation Variability

Urban precipitation reflects complex land–atmosphere interactions. However, the potential influence of vegetation change surrounding cities on urban precipitation remains insufficiently understood.

In this study, we examine the relationship between peri-urban vegetation change and urban precipitation variability by integrating satellite-based vegetation indicators, evapotranspiration modelling frameworks, and atmospheric moisture tracking techniques across a large set of cities worldwide. This approach enables quantification of how vegetation-induced evapotranspiration contributes to urban precipitation variability through atmospheric moisture transport.

Our analysis reveals a coherent hydroclimatic link in which changes in peri-urban vegetation are associated with variations in evapotranspiration and subsequent in urban precipitation. We further explore how this coupling varies across different atmospheric conditions, vegetation landscapes, and urban environments. The results indicate that there are substantial inter-urban differences in the strength of vegetation–precipitation coupling.

By clarifying the interaction mechanism among vegetation changes, evapotranspiration and urban precipitation, this study contributes to a broader understanding of land–atmosphere interaction and hydrological variability. The findings highlight that peri-urban vegetation is an important component of the hydrological cycle and provide insights for understanding hydrological variability under changing environmental conditions.