Environmental Lapse Rate

The environmental lapse rate refers to the rate at which the air temperature decreases as altitude increases in the atmosphere outside of any specific weather phenomena. Typically, the temperature drops about 6.5°C (11.7°F) for every kilometer (about 1,000 meters or 3,280 feet) you go up. This rate varies depending on current weather, location, and atmospheric conditions. It helps meteorologists understand how temperature changes with height, influencing weather patterns, cloud formation, and stability of the air. Essentially, it describes the natural cooling of the air as you rise higher into the atmosphere.