Abstract: The linearized atmospheric equation system is solved analytically to obtain a theoretical model of the urban heat island circulation. In the model the three-dimensional structure of temperature and flow fields in the circulation are analysed and compared with the observations. The influences of the atmospheric conditions, such as wind speed, eddy diffusivity, Rayleigh friction as well as stratification are investigated analytically. In addition, the effects of gravity waves on the vertical structure of the temperature distribution are also discussed.