How can atmospheric instability be assessed from surface observations?

Atmospheric instability is primarily assessed by analyzing temperature differences between the surface and the air aloft. This method is effective because instability occurs when the temperature of the air decreases significantly with altitude, and warm air at the surface can rise through cooler air above it. When the surface air is significantly warmer than the air above, it creates a situation where the rising warm air can lead to the development of clouds and potentially thunderstorms, as it is less dense and can rise freely.

Understanding this temperature gradient is key in meteorology, as it helps predict the likelihood of severe weather phenomena. In contrast, relying solely on wind patterns, rainfall amounts, or humidity levels does not provide a direct measure of instability in the atmosphere. Each of those factors can contribute to weather conditions but does not inherently indicate whether the atmosphere is stable or unstable without considering the temperature profile.