Climate professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad confirmed that the common belief that air temperature is higher under direct sunlight compared to shade is one of the most widespread misconceptions, explaining that air temperature remains similar in both cases, while the real difference lies in the effect of direct sunlight on objects.

Al-Misnad explained via platform X that weather monitoring stations around the world use precise standards to measure air temperature, as measuring devices are placed inside well-ventilated white boxes at a height of between 1.2 and 2 meters above ground level, in order to isolate them from direct sunlight and surface heat, ensuring that only air temperature is recorded.

He pointed out that exposing the measuring device to sunlight causes the device itself to heat up, and thus the reading reflects the temperature of the device and not the air temperature, which makes the claim that air temperature under the sun reaches 60 degrees Celsius scientifically inaccurate.

He explained that the feeling of higher heat when standing under sunlight is due to the direct transfer of solar radiation to the human body, increasing the sensation of heat even though the surrounding air temperature remains almost constant compared to shade.

He added that external temperature sensors in cars are a practical example, as they measure the temperature of the moving air in front of the vehicle, and their readings are often consistent with data from meteorological stations despite being exposed to sunlight while driving.

He also noted that laser thermometers are not used to measure air temperature, but rather measure the temperature of surfaces such as roads, walls, and metal structures, which explains their high readings that do not reflect the actual atmospheric temperature.

Al-Misnad concluded by emphasizing that the correct scientific term is measuring air temperature in the shade according to approved standards, while direct exposure to sunlight indicates thermal sensation or surface temperature, not an increase in the air temperature itself.