What Is the Hottest Time of the Day?

The hottest time of the day changes throughout the year.
••• XiXinXing/XiXinXing/Getty Images

Determining the hottest time of day depends on the time of year and your location on the planet. Rays from the sun heat up the planet like a burner on a stove boils water. Even though the burner is set on high, it takes a while for the water to boil. The same is true for the temperature of the day.

Direct Sunlight

The sun is at its highest point at approximately noon. The sun's high point is when it gives the Earth the most direct sunlight, also called solar noon. At this point, a sunburn occurs in the shortest amount of time, according to NBC 5 weatherman David Finfrock. The sun's radiation is the strongest at this point, but even though the radiation is at its highest, the temperature is not at its hottest.

Diurnal Cycle

Scientist refer to the rotation of Earth on its axis, creating night and day, as the diurnal cycle. The diurnal cycle is what creates the delay in temperature increase on the Earth's surface. The delay is called the thermal response. The National Climatic Data Center estimates a three- to four-hour delay between when the sun provides the Earth with the most direct sunlight, and when the temperature rises.

Thermal Response

The thermal response begins at solar noon, when the surface of the Earth begins to heat. The temperature continues to climb as long as the Earth receives more heat than it sends to space. The delay from solar noon and the hottest time of the day, or thermal response, generally takes hours. The hottest part of the day during the summer is usually between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on cloud cover and wind speed.

Variables

Like many Earthly phenomena, the hottest part of the day is determined by different variables. If your part of the country recognizes daylight savings time, the hottest part of the day is increased or decreased by one hour, depending on the time of year. The season also makes a difference, because of the climatic changes that occur during the winter. Many times, cold fronts decrease the temperature throughout the day during this time of the year. The hottest part of the day can be in the early morning during the winter season. A cold front can come through in the afternoon, cooling down the surface of the Earth. Your location can also determine what time of the day is the hottest. Climatic changes can affect one part of the Earth or country, while another is not affected at all.

Related Articles

How Latitude & Altitude Affect Temperature
Why Are Days Longer and Shorter?
What Is Solar Altitude?
What Are the Causes of the 4 Seasons on Earth?
Chances of a Solar Eclipse
Three Types of Global Warming Causes
What Causes the Day/Night Cycle on Earth?
Sun Intensity vs. Angle
What Are the Two Motions of the Earth?
How Much Time Is One Day on Mars?
How Does Latitude Affect Climate?
What Are the Four Special Parallels of Latitude?
Why Do the Positions of the Stars Change Each Month?
Here's How the End of Daylight Saving Time Might Affect...
Characteristics of an Intertropical Convergence Zone
The Effects of Revolution & Rotation on Climate & Weather
How to Calculate The Sun's Altitude
Factors That Affect the Tundra's Climate
The Difference Between Low Tides & High Tides
When is the Moon's Pull on Earth the Strongest?

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!