By news
Published Sep 10, 2010 4:08 AM EDT | Updated Sep 11, 2010 10:38 AM EDT
Radiational cooling (heat loss into space) is always happening. During the day however, more heat is gained from the sun than what is lost into space so the temperature goes up. At night, when there is no incoming solar energy, the loss of heat into outer space causes the temperature to go down. Radiational cooling is most effective on a clear, calm night.
By John Kocet, Expert Senior Meteorologist
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