Finding the average temperature depends on what you're trying to average (e.g., daily, monthly, or yearly temperature). Here's a breakdown of common methods:
1. Average Daily Temperature:
The most common method for calculating average daily temperature involves using the daily high and low temperatures:
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Step 1: Add the daily maximum temperature and the daily minimum temperature.
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Step 2: Divide the sum by 2.
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Formula: (Daily Maximum Temperature + Daily Minimum Temperature) / 2 = Average Daily Temperature
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Example: If the high for the day was 80°F and the low was 60°F, the average daily temperature would be (80 + 60) / 2 = 70°F.
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2. Average Monthly Temperature:
To calculate the average monthly temperature, you need the average daily temperatures for each day of the month.
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Step 1: Sum the average daily temperatures for each day of the month.
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Step 2: Divide the sum by the number of days in the month.
- Formula: (Sum of Average Daily Temperatures) / (Number of Days in Month) = Average Monthly Temperature
3. Average Yearly Temperature:
Similar to the monthly average, calculating the yearly average involves using the average temperatures for each month.
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Step 1: Sum the average monthly temperatures for all 12 months.
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Step 2: Divide the sum by 12.
- Formula: (Sum of Average Monthly Temperatures) / 12 = Average Yearly Temperature
4. Other Methods:
- Hourly Averages: For more precise averages, you can use hourly temperature readings. Sum the hourly temperatures for the period you want to average (day, month, year) and divide by the number of hours in that period.
- Using Instruments: Weather stations typically record temperatures at regular intervals (e.g., every hour or every minute) and automatically calculate averages.
Example using a Table (Illustrative):
| Month | Avg. Daily High (°F) | Avg. Daily Low (°F) | Calculated Avg. Monthly Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 20 | (40+20)/2 = 30 |
| February | 45 | 25 | (45+25)/2 = 35 |
| March | 55 | 35 | (55+35)/2 = 45 |
| April | 65 | 45 | (65+45)/2 = 55 |
| May | 75 | 55 | (75+55)/2 = 65 |
| June | 85 | 65 | (85+65)/2 = 75 |
| July | 90 | 70 | (90+70)/2 = 80 |
| August | 88 | 68 | (88+68)/2 = 78 |
| September | 80 | 60 | (80+60)/2 = 70 |
| October | 70 | 50 | (70+50)/2 = 60 |
| November | 55 | 35 | (55+35)/2 = 45 |
| December | 45 | 25 | (45+25)/2 = 35 |
To calculate the average yearly temperature using this table: (30 + 35 + 45 + 55 + 65 + 75 + 80 + 78 + 70 + 60 + 45 + 35) / 12 = 55.17°F
In summary, calculating average temperature involves adding temperature values over a defined period and then dividing by the number of values. The specific method depends on whether you are looking for a daily, monthly, or yearly average.
