Record temperature (high and low temperature) for the date is common information given on the climate data page. The common reasons for a record temperature occurring is given below: Record Low: a. A very strong cold front penetrates usually far toward lower latitudes b. Snow cover is on the ground at a location that does not typically have snow cover. Snow cover combined with light wind and clear skies can lead to record lows. c. An unusually cold air mass develops in the arctic region and then the upper level flow allows this cold air to penetrate far toward lower latitudes d. As a statistical anomaly, a certain date may not that have that cold of a record low. This makes it easier to break the record low for that date in the future. Also, if the period of record is small then it is much easier for a record low to occur. e. Weather pattern could be such that every few days another strong cold front moves through. With very cold ground temperatures, future cold fronts are not modified as much and thus temperatures are colder and record lows occur Record High a. A long term high pressure builds in place. Dry air and light wind helps elevate the afternoon temperature. A hot high pressure air mass that builds and stays over the same region can produce record highs. b. Record highs can occur when a strong drought is in place. The drought causes the soil and plants to lose most of their moisture. Thus, less evaporative cooling occurs. The energy from the sun goes mainly into sensible heat increase which causes high temperatures to break record highs. Some years may have several record highs day after day during the same weather event due to this. c. As a statistical anomaly, a certain date may not that have that warm of a record high. This makes it easier to break the record high for that date in the future. Also, if the period of record is small then it is much easier for a record high to occur. d. High pressure combined with strong sinking air (adiabatic warming) elevates the afternoon temperature |