Why are nighttime temperatures often much warmer in Atlanta than elsewhere in North GA?
The temperature is taken at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport which is affected by a phenomenon known as the “Urban Heat Island”. On relatively calm, clear nights temperatures in urban areas are affected by the concentration of concrete/ashpalt, and also human activity. Concrete and ashpalt tends to retain heat through the night, while more grassy, or otherwise vegetated areas cool off. Activity related to humans, such as operating automobiles and aircraft generates heat and also stirs the air, which interferes with the nighttime cooling process. So…compared to areas less urbanized than Atlanta, temperatures on clear, calm nights will be warmer in Atlanta than in the areas outside the perimeter and across the rest of North Georgia.
