Does the weather and time of day affect noise?

If you live near a mine site, you may notice that noise sometimes seems louder or travels further depending on the weather or time of day. This is because environmental conditions can influence how sound moves through the air.

Night-time Conditions
Sound often travels further at night when the air close to the ground is at its coolest. Late at night and during the early morning is typically when mines record the most significant noise levels carrying into nearby areas.

Seasonal Temperatures
During winter, cooler temperatures make it easier for sound to travel long distances. This means noise from mine sites may seem louder or more noticeable compared to warmer days.

Cloud Cover
On cloudy days, sound waves can be pushed back down towards the ground by low clouds. This refraction effect makes noises appear louder to those living nearby.

Wind Direction
Wind also plays a role in how far sound travels. On a windy day, noise will carry further in the direction the wind is blowing, compared to calmer conditions.