Role of the wind in the control of the air temperature distribution

The air temperatures in August (summer) and December (winter) were measured in an approximately 20 x 10-km coastal area in the Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, in order to study the spatial distribution of the air temperature. The air temperature was measured by using naturally ventilated thermometer shelters installed in elementary schools. The characteristic air temperature distribution was observed to be dependent on the season. The monthly mean air temperature was the highest in the area that was 2-5 km inland, while the monthly maximum air temperature was the highest in the area farthest inland in August. In contrast, the monthly mean, maximum, and minimum air temperatures were higher in the east than in the west. Taking the seasonal wind direction into account, the seasonal distribution of the air temperature was accurately assessed. The wind, especially the land and sea breeze, plays an important role in the distribution of the air temperature.