Air temperature

What is air temperature?

Air temperature is simply how hot or cold the outside air is.

Why is air temperature important for water testing?

Measuring environmental variables, like temperature, helps us understand the context of our other observations. The temperatures of the air and water are linked! If the air temperature is warmer, then water temperatures are often warmer as well. Warmer water can hold less dissolved oxygen and impacts other processes.

What does a measurement mean?

It depends! A single air temperature measurement won’t tell you much. You’ll only learn the significance of your results if you test consistently over time and observe trends. In many locations, there is a trend of warmer air temperatures.

Water Rangers testing protocol

Place the thermometer in a shaded area out of direct sunlight about 1.5 m off the ground. Leave the thermometer for about 5 minutes before you record the measurement. Do not hang the thermometer around your neck while measuring because the heat from your body will affect the reading.

Pro Tip: Hang your thermometer from a tree while you complete your other tests! That way, it’s out of direct sunlight and away from your body; just remember to grab it before you leave your site!

How to test air temperature

Get a thermometer here or as part of a testkit:

Contributing to the community!

Water Rangers is citizen-scientist led. So, if you have any questions, ideas, or notice any errors, please tell us!