When do temperature inversions typically develop?

Temperature inversions typically develop after warm afternoons followed by calm, cool nights. During the day, the sun heats the surface of the Earth, causing warmer air to rise. However, as night falls and the ground cools, the air close to the surface can become cooler than the air above it. This situation creates a stable layer of warm air that traps colder air near the ground, preventing it from rising. This phenomenon is especially likely to occur under conditions where winds are light, as strong winds can mix the air layers and disrupt the inversion.

Inversions can also lead to poor air quality, as pollutants can accumulate in the cooler air layer near the surface. Understanding the conditions under which inversions form can help applicators anticipate potential issues related to pesticide application due to reduced air movement and potential drift.

This explanation helps clarify why the specific conditions of calm, cool nights following warm afternoons are critical in the occurrence of temperature inversions.