Tagesdurchschnitt

Tagesdurchschnitt is a statistical term describing the average value of a quantity observed over the course of a 24-hour day. It is used to summarize daily fluctuations and to compare days, providing a single representative value for use in analyses, models, and reporting. It is distinct from a single instantaneous measurement and from daily extremes such as maximum or minimum values.

Calculation typically relies on discrete measurements taken within the day. If n measurements T1, T2, ..., Tn are recorded, the Tagesdurchschnitt is the arithmetic mean: (1/n) sum of all T_i. In meteorology and climate science, the standard approach is to compute the mean of 24 hourly temperature readings: Tmean = (1/24) sum_{h=0}^{23} T_h. When data are incomplete, interpolation or alternative weighting may be used. A common approximation for temperature, Tmax and Tmin, is (Tmax + Tmin)/2, but this can introduce error if temperature changes nonlinearly during the day.

Applications of the Tagesdurchschnitt span multiple fields. In meteorology and climatology, it is used to define daily mean temperature, compare seasonal trends, and construct climate normals. In energy management, it informs demand forecasts and performance metrics. In agriculture, daily averages of temperature or humidity influence phenology and crop planning. In finance and economics, daily average prices or indicators can serve as smooth measures of activity, though definitions and data sources vary.

Notes on definitions and data quality: the exact method can differ by domain (calendar day vs. solar day), time zone, daylight saving adjustments, and measurement frequency. Gaps in data or inconsistent sampling can bias the calculated Tagesdurchschnitt, underscoring the importance of transparent methodology and documentation.