The influence of vegetation on meteorological variables was evaluated through the leaf area index (LAI) and the shading index (ASI) in two public squares located in Cuiabá, Brazil. Air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) under the tree canopy were measured during days of the dry and rainy seasons in 2009. The higher values of T and lower values of RH were measured during the dry period in both squares. The leaf area index was based on the tree species of the squares, ranging from 5.64 to 2.79 m² m-2, being the average of LAI and ASI for the Popular Square higher than for the 8 de April Square. We conclude that tree species improved the thermal quality due to the radiation attenuation provided by the shade of various species, mainly during the daytime with lower solar angle.
leaf area index; urban; vegetal cover
