When does an inversion occur?

An inversion occurs when the surface air is cooler than the air above it. This phenomenon is typically associated with a layer of warm air trapping cooler air at the surface. Under normal atmospheric conditions, air temperature decreases with height. However, during an inversion, this pattern is reversed, leading to a stable air mass where pollutants can accumulate, which is often associated with poor air quality in urban areas. Understanding temperature inversions is important for pest control, as these weather patterns can influence pest activity and the efficacy of pesticide applications.