Lesson 1: Temperature and Latitude

What patterns in temperature can you find on Earth at different times of the year?

The Sun’s light energy—solar radiation—heats the surface of Earth. In general, temperatures on Earth vary according to latitude and time of year. Related to latitude, average temperatures on Earth generally
increase as the latitude decreases (from the poles toward the equator) and generally decrease as the latitude increases (from the equator toward the poles). Related to time of year, average temperatures are higher in the Northern Hemisphere from about June through September and higher in the Southern Hemisphere from about December through March. There are patterns of temperatures on Earth related to latitude and time of year. As you get closer to the equator, temperatures are typically higher and it feels warmer. As you get closer to the poles, temperatures are typically lower and it feels cooler. When temperatures are higher in the Northern Hemisphere, they are lower in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. The surface of Earth is heated unevenly; therefore, temperatures vary by latitude and time of year.

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