Why the hottest hour of the day doesn't come until the evening!

Why the hottest hour of the day doesn't come until the evening!

In the heat of summer, you often think that midday is the hottest time. Many people believe that the maximum temperatures are reached directly at the highest position of the sun. But this is a common misconception, as the German Weather Service (DWD) clarifies: The temperature maximum usually occurs between 5 and 6 p.m., long after the sun has reached its peak at around 1:30 p.m. The result? An unexpected warmth, especially in the evening.

How does this seasonal delay occur? The answer can be found in the heat storage of the ground and air. While the sun shines, it not only heats the air, but also the earth's surface. This stored heat is then released further over the hours, causing the perceived heat to remain high even after sunset. This is important for us because even if the sun loses intensity, the evenings can still be very warm.

Temperature maxima in detail

A look at the weather in Germany shows that July is statistically the warmest month. While the sun is at its highest in June, the earth has already stored the heat in July and releases it. These observations confirm the explanations of experts like Hans Schipper, who emphasizes that the temperature maximums do not occur immediately at the highest level of solar radiation, but only when everything has heated up properly.

In addition, it can be observed that in winter the maximum values ​​are reached between 1 and 2 p.m., while in summer this time falls to around 4 and 5 p.m. This raises an interesting question: When is the coolest time of the day? Surprisingly, this is not at midnight or just before sunrise, but actually later, as the night continues to cool until the first rays of sun warm up the earth's surface again.

Weather phenomena and their interpretation

Weather science is an ancient art that has taken on fascinating forms over the centuries. People have always used natural signs to predict weather. Whether it's the dew in the morning indicating a sunny day or the ants hiding in inclement weather, nature has its own signs. Rhyming weather formulas, also known as “peasant rules,” were developed in the Middle Ages and are still collected and researched today.

Science has systematized all these observations. Cloud shapes are an example of how we can interpret weather events. Scientists classify clouds into different categories, from high cirrus clouds, which indicate a warm front with rain, to low stratus clouds. This cloud classification, along with modern meteorology, which has evolved since modern times with the development of new measuring instruments such as thermometers and barometers, shows how far we have come.

Thanks to advances in technology, from satellite imaging to radar stations, meteorologists can now make weather forecasts up to a week in advance with up to 90% accuracy. This is a completely different wind when you consider how far-reaching the influence of weather is on our everyday lives.

Weather remains a fascinating topic that challenges and surprises us every day - and as always: weather forecasting is both art and science!