During aerial application, what is a common temperature effect that can increase drift risk?

A temperature inversion is a common atmospheric condition that can significantly increase drift risk during aerial application. This phenomenon occurs when warmer air traps cooler air near the ground, creating a stable layer that prevents the normal vertical mixing of air. As a result, any airborne particles or pesticides released during application can be held within this stable layer rather than dispersing upward. This confinement allows the particles to drift over larger distances, posing a risk of contaminating non-target areas, including nearby crops, water sources, or residential areas.

Understanding temperature inversions is crucial for applicators, as they must be aware of the weather conditions before and during application to mitigate drift risk effectively. Other options listed, such as high humidity, low pressure, and extreme heat, do not directly create the same level of drift risk as a temperature inversion does. High humidity might influence how droplets evaporate but does not create the same stability in the air as a temperature inversion. Low pressure generally encourages more turbulent air movement, which could actually reduce drift. Extreme heat can increase evaporation rates, affecting the efficacy of the application, but it does not impact air stability in the same way a temperature inversion does.