When are thermals most likely to occur?

Thermals, which are rising columns of warm air, are most likely to occur during sunny afternoons. This is when the sun heats the surface of the earth, causing the air above it to warm up and rise. As this warm air ascends, it creates a thermal, which can be beneficial for various applications, including aerial spraying and gliding activities.

During the early morning, the earth's surface has not yet warmed significantly, so thermal activity is minimal. Cloudy evenings typically lack the necessary solar heating required to generate thermals. Likewise, in conditions of midday rain, the cool and moist environment does not promote the heating of the ground, thus inhibiting the formation of thermals. Therefore, sunny afternoons, with optimal heating conditions, are when thermals are most prevalent.