KXO Radio AM1230 and FM 107.5

During the first few days of April, these were the observed times of the day when the temperature was warmest at El Centro.

April      Time of Max Temperature       Max Temperature

1                 3:14 pm                                      92.3

2                 3:03 pm                                      93.1

3                 3:46 pm                                      92.0

4                 2:24 pm                                      92.4

According to records taken over many years, the hottest time of the day is at about  the time school lets out each afternoon.  At this time of year the hottest hour of the day is usually between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.  During July and August, with a more humid air mass, the hottest time of the day is further delayed until 3 to 4 in the afternoon.

You would think it should be hottest at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Actually, the sun reaches its highest at 12:45 pm each day. This is because we have gone off sun time and our clocks are now set on daylight saving time. The incoming radiation from the sun and the outgoing radiation from the heated ground, balance at about 3 in the afternoon.  As the sun power fades and the ground begins to cool,  the temperature begins to fall unusually around 3 to 4 in the afternoon.  Although clouds and winds make a difference from day to day, the hour of highest temperature is usually around the time that school lets out each afternoon.