Toddler Asks #1 (Series): Why Is It Colder in the Winter Than In The Summer?
So you know what to say when a 3-year-old asks…
The temperature difference between winter and summer is primarily due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which causes the amount of sunlight to vary throughout the year.
Angles & Orbit
During summer, the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a steep angle, providing more energy to a given area and leading to warmer temperatures. In contrast, during winter, the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a shallow angle, spreading out the energy and resulting in colder temperatures.
Additionally, the duration of daylight hours affects the amount of time available for the Earth to warm up, with longer days in summer contributing to higher temperatures.
This seasonal variation in temperature is a result of the Earth’s position in its orbit and its axial tilt, rather than its distance from the sun
The temperature difference between day and night is also influenced by the season. In summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, leading to more direct sunlight and less temperature variation between day and night.
In winter, the opposite occurs, with the Northern Hemisphere tilted away from the sun, resulting in larger temperature changes between day and night. This is due to the amount of heating, with less sunlight per unit area in winter leading to smaller temperature increases during the day and larger decreases at night.
Moisture Content = Feel
Furthermore, the moisture content in the air can affect how temperatures feel. During winter, colder temperatures reduce the amount of moisture the air can hold, leading to drier air. This can cause the air to feel cooler and result in the perception of colder temperatures, even if the actual temperature is the same as in summer.
In contrast, humid air during summer can hinder evaporation, making the air feel warmer. Therefore, the moisture content in the air influences how temperatures are perceived.
Now you know…
