Oddbean

The phenomenon of it being colder in the morning than at night, particularly just after dawn, can be explained by several factors related to how the Earth’s surface and atmosphere interact with solar radiation. *Radiational Cooling* During a clear, calm night, the ground rapidly loses heat through a process called radiational cooling. The ground radiates infrared radiation into space, cooling down quickly. This cooling effect is enhanced by clear skies, dry air, and light winds, which allow the heat to escape more efficiently without being trapped by clouds or moisture. *Ground and Air Temperature* The ground cools faster than the air above it. As the ground loses heat, it chills the air in direct contact with it, creating a layer of cold air near the surface. This cold air can be several degrees colder than the air just a meter or two higher. *Sunrise and Heat Absorption* When the sun rises, its initial rays are weak and at a low angle. It takes time for the incoming solar radiation to counteract the rate at which the ground is losing heat. Until the sun is higher in the sky and stronger, the ground continues to release the heat it built up from the previous day, rather than absorbing new heat to warm up the temperatures. *Air Mixing* As the sun rises, it can create convective currents and turbulence that mix the colder air near the ground with the warmer air above. This mixing brings the colder air up to the level where temperatures are measured (typically at eye level), resulting in a recorded drop in temperature. #askAI 🤭