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morphballganon t1_j2klbzg wrote

The temperature has an effect on what happens to the water vapor in the air. At cold temps, water condenses on surfaces ("morning dew"). Colder yet, it freezes. So, yes, warmer temps often coincide with greater amounts of water vapor in the air.

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daveescaped t1_j2kxr2b wrote

How is that different than saying, “dry air is more clear”? And wouldn’t that be so regardless of temperature?

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Dont____Panic t1_j2l2s7u wrote

Summer sun also creates convection currents that distort light.

So both dry and cool (which often go together) make clearer views.

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solarish t1_j2lfwao wrote

More specifically, it is the increased variance in refractivity (due to convection) that distorts light.

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cstheory t1_j2l2vmw wrote

What about those waves you see from heat. I bet that effect is involved too

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IlexAquifolia t1_j2lgu5e wrote

Dry air is clearer regardless of temperature, but warm air holds moisture more easily, so cold air is more likely to be dry and clear.

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Arquen_Marille t1_j2kme6v wrote

Can’t it also be less pollen in the air?

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Weird_Element t1_j2kphh2 wrote

That can be in rurla areas, in urban landscape it can be less smog, as rainfall drags it to the ground.

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DumbLikeColumbo t1_j2myaq0 wrote

Is this why I’ve noticed the winter sunsets are more beautiful than usual?

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