Causes for Asymmetric Warming of Sub‐Diurnal Temperature Responding to Global Warming

Defined as the difference between the daily maximum (Tmax) and minimum surface air temperature (Tmin), the diurnal temperature range (DTR) is critical to local climate, ecosystem, and socio‐economic functioning. This study investigates how DTR responds to the future global warming, using a novel, fine‐resolution convection‐permitting regional climate model. Results demonstrate the asymmetrical impact of global warming, that is, the more substantial warming in Tmin, and the lower in Tmax. This asymmetry results in the DTR reduction of 0.5°K in the mid‐latitude and 0.25°K in the low‐altitude area (under 2°K warming scenario). The increase in daytime cloudiness under warmer climates is likely responsible for the reduction of incoming short‐wave radiation reduction, consequently causing Tmax “underwarming.” Study results also suggest that atmospheric instability could play a vital role in the difference in DTR response between the tropical and mid‐latitude areas. Plain Language Summary Diurnal temperature range, which is defined as the difference between the daily maximum (Tmax) and daily minimum air temperature (Tmin), is a critical factor that modulates local climate, ecosystem, and socio‐economic functioning. This study investigates how global warming impacts diurnal temperature range (DTR) using a high resolution numerical model. Results demonstrate the asymmetrical response to global warming, that is, the more substantial warming is confirmed in Tmin, and the lower in Tmax. This asymmetry results in the DTR reduction of approximately 0.5°K in the mid‐latitude and 0.25°K in the low‐altitude area. A cause of the DTR reduction is the daytime‐cloudiness increase under warmer climates, which reduces short‐wave solar radiation reaching the surface, consequently causing the Tmax “underwarming.” Also, the difference in atmospheric instability in the mid‐ and low‐latitude areas explains the difference in the DTR response, that is, more moderate DTR reduction is confirmed in low latitude areas. Key Points This study demonstrates the reduction of the diurnal temperature range (DTR) under future warmer climates The reduction of DTR is primarily attributed to the increase in cloudiness which reducing daytime incoming‐shortwave radiation Difference in intrinsic atmospheric stability between tropical and mid‐latitude areas could explain the distinct responses of DTR