Middeltemperatuur

Middeltemperatuur is the average temperature over a defined period, typically used to describe the central tendency of how warm or cold it is in a given location. It can be calculated for different timeframes, such as daily, monthly, or yearly averages, and is a common statistic in meteorology and climate studies.

Calculation and methods:

If continuous temperature measurements are available, the middeltemperatuur over the interval is the arithmetic mean of all measurements. In practice, the daily mean temperature is often estimated as the average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures, (Tmax + Tmin)/2, when hourly data are not accessible. More precise estimates use all hourly or finer time steps and integrate over the interval.

Normals and anomalies:

Climatological normals are long-term averages, typically over a 30-year period, used as a reference to determine anomalies. An anomaly indicates how the measured middeltemperatuur differs from the normal value for that period, location, and season.

Applications:

Middeltemperatuur is used in forecasting, energy planning (heating and cooling demand), agricultural planning, and climate research. It helps assess seasonal cycles, compare different years, and analyze trends in regional or global warming.

Data considerations:

Accurate computions rely on standardized measurement height (usually around 2 meters above ground), consistent exposure, and homogenized data to account for instrument changes or urban effects. When comparing periods, it is important to use the same time scale and reference frame.

Related concepts:

Related terms include daily mean temperature (daggemiddelde temperatuur), diurnal temperature range, seasonal averages, and degree days for heating or cooling.