3: Air Temperature
- Page ID
- 46727
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Air Temperature is considered one of the most important factors in human comfort. It's often the largest number on the screen in weather apps, and many people even use "temperature" and "weather" interchangeably (that's incorrect, however, as there's much more to weather than just temperature). As described, air temperature is simply the temperature of the air. But how do we measure air temperature, and how is it influenced by various factors (such as latitude or elevation)? This chapter covers the fundamentals of air temperature, from its measurement to its seasonal changes.
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Determine if a weather station is correctly or incorrectly measuring air temperature.
- Identify some factors that wind and humidity have on perceived temperature.
- Determine if the air temperature should increase or decrease at a given time.
- Distinguish how each of the four factors influences a location's air temperature seasonally.
- 3.1: Air Temperature Measurements
- This page explores the history and types of thermometers, from traditional liquid-in-glass to modern electrical versions and their applications in weather forecasting. It highlights the significance of proper sheltering for accurate readings and discusses wind chill and heat index effects on perceived temperature. Engaging scenarios are provided to enhance understanding of energy transfer and environmental temperature variations.
- 3.2: Daily Temperature Variations
- We cover diurnal temperature variations, highlighting the interplay of solar and long-wave radiation. Daytime temperatures peak due to thermal inertia, while nighttime temperatures drop through radiational cooling, typically reaching their lowest levels at sunrise. Factors such as clear skies, calm winds, and valley topography intensify nighttime cooling, which is relevant to agriculture.
- 3.3: Seasonal Air Temperature Variations
- This page explores the significant factors influencing seasonal air temperatures, including latitude, proximity to oceans and land, elevation, and ocean currents. It highlights how latitude affects temperature variation, with equatorial regions being more stable. Proximity to bodies of water leads to milder temperatures, while higher elevations result in cooler conditions, as exemplified by temperature comparisons between regions like Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.
- 3.4: Exercises for Chapter 3
- Some exercises to review the topics covered in this chapter.
Thumbnail: The Maximum-Minimum Thermometer by AtelierMonpli is licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0