How should the 24-hour maximum and minimum temperatures be recorded in columns 57 and 58, respectively?

The correct approach for recording 24-hour maximum and minimum temperatures in the specified columns requires using tenths of degrees Celsius. This method allows for a more precise representation of temperature variations, which is particularly important in meteorological observations where small changes can have significant implications for weather analysis and forecasting.

Recording temperatures in tenths of a degree Celsius enables meteorologists and researchers to capture subtle fluctuations that could be lost if rounded to whole degrees. This level of detail can be crucial when studying temperature trends over time or when the data is used for modeling weather patterns.

The use of whole degrees, either in Celsius or Fahrenheit, would lack this granularity, and therefore, would not meet the established standard for precision in weather observation. Using tenths of degrees Fahrenheit also falls short in this context since the practice emphasizes the Celsius scale for meteorological reporting, ensuring uniformity and comparability across various datasets.