Effects of Daylight Saving Time on climate data
The Effect of Daylight Saving Time on Climate Data
The most significant effect of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is on the nominal 9am observation, particularly on elements such as temperature and humidity. During this period of the day the temperature is rising quickly, and there can be a significant difference between the temperature taken at 8am (standard time, by the sun) and that taken an hour later. Because of this the relative humidity will also be affected. A typical example is shown in the graph below.
A graph of air temperature (Melbourne, March day) showing a typical rapid rise between 8am and 9am (standard time).
Problems occur when trying to evaluate monthly mean statistics in the months of changeover between DST and standard time, generally October and March. There may not be sufficient days within the month at either 8am or at 9am to calculate an adequate mean (normally about 20-25 values are required). The date of the change varies from month to month, leaving differing number of records for the different hours. Partly for this reason the two hours are usually combined and a nominal 9am mean value of, for example, air temperature is given.
Last modified 8 November 2012