Final answer:
The temperature at low elevations is warmer in the summer due to the high elevation of the Sun, which allows for more direct and intense sunlight, while in winter the Sun is lower, leading to less intense heating and cooler temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature at low elevation areas during summer and winter is influenced by several factors, including the elevation of the Sun, local climate zones, and geographical features. In summer, the Sun is higher in the sky, resulting in more direct rays and a steep angle of incidence, providing intense heating to the land. Conversely, in winter, the Sun's elevation is lower, with sunlight spreading out over a greater distance, resulting in dilute heating and cooler temperatures. Additionally, the temperature tends to decrease with higher altitude, which means areas at lower elevations generally experience warmer temperatures. For instance, in the North Island, summer temperatures average around 75 °F during the day and 50 °F at night, while winter averages are about 50 °F in the daytime and 35 °F during the night. Local climates can vary significantly, as seen in Alpine regions with hot, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, or cool, wet summers and very cold, snowy winters depending on latitude and elevation.