Question

if we assume clear skies and light winds, the daily maximum temperature will usually occur ________. a around sunrise b around sunset c around midnight d exactly 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 36 seconds before dawn

Explanation:

The Earth continues to warm up for a while after the sun reaches its highest point in the sky (solar noon). Around sunset, the incoming solar radiation has been decreasing for several hours and the Earth - atmosphere system starts to cool down. Midnight is the middle of the night when the temperature is usually low. Around sunrise, it is the coldest part of the day as the Earth has been radiating heat all night. The daily maximum temperature usually occurs in the afternoon, but among the given options, it is not listed. However, understanding the temperature - time relationship, we know that the other options are incorrect.

Answer:

None of the above options are correct. In clear - sky and light - wind conditions, the daily maximum temperature usually occurs in the afternoon, typically between 2 - 4 pm local time.