Research

Research Question

What are Atlanta’s average temperatures throughout the year?

Research Findings

Atlanta experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, ranging from cold winter conditions to hot summer temperatures.

The researched annual average high temperature is approximately 73.2°F, while the annual average low is approximately 54.1°F. July is generally the warmest month, while January is the coldest.

Engineering Significance

These findings help establish the preliminary temperature design envelope for the climate station. The system must accommodate changing seasonal conditions while maintaining energy efficiency and user comfort.

Research Question

What are the typical summer maximum temperatures in Atlanta?

Research Findings

Atlanta’s summer climate places significant cooling demands on public outdoor spaces. Average high temperatures are approximately 87.1°F in June, 90.1°F in July, and 89.0°F in August.

The researched climate baseline indicates approximately 47 days per year with temperatures reaching or exceeding 90°F.

Engineering Significance

These conditions support investigating desiccant-assisted and indirect evaporative cooling technologies.

Additional analysis of humidity, cooling effectiveness, and energy consumption will be necessary before selecting a final cooling configuration.

Research Question

What are the typical winter minimum temperatures in Atlanta?

Research Findings

Although Atlanta experiences relatively mild winters compared with northern cities, freezing temperatures remain an important engineering consideration.

Average winter lows are approximately 38.4°F in December, 35.6°F in January, and 38.9°F in February.

The researched climate baseline indicates approximately 36 days per year with temperatures at or below freezing.

Engineering Significance

These findings demonstrate the importance of developing an efficient heating system and protecting water-based components from freezing.

Research Question

What is Atlanta’s summer humidity, and how might it influence cooling performance?

Research Findings

Working estimates based on the 1991–2020 climate baseline place average relative humidity near 67% in May, 69% in June, 70% in July, 69% in August, and 68% in September. Estimated afternoon levels are lower, near 50–53%.

July illustrates the daily shift: approximately 87% humidity at 6 a.m. versus 53% at 3 p.m., while dew point remains high at about 68–69°F. Relative humidity alone therefore does not describe the full moisture load.

June–August average temperature was approximately 79.7°F for 1991–2020, compared with 82.0°F in 2024 and 80.7°F in 2025. These temperature differences do not establish a humidity trend.

Engineering Significance

Humid outdoor air can constrain evaporative cooling. Atmos Oasis must compare temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and wet-bulb conditions when evaluating desiccant-assisted and indirect evaporative cooling, including regeneration energy and moisture management.

Research Status

Preliminary findings only. Monthly humidity estimates and recent hourly observations still require independent validation before selecting a final cooling system.