Hello cheeriop.
In fact, it's more complex than that. For each data retrieval, a timestamp is associated with the value. This timestamp is the available date given by the subsystem (i.e., in your case the timeutc included in the response given by the API call). But for a single station, many subsystems maybe implicated (ephemeris computer, OpenWeatherMap added measurements, AQ queries, etc.). In all widgets, the date shown is the more optimistic for the station. So yes, you could have stale values. It's why I do not recommend to use widgets for accurate current conditions.
If you want to have accurate measurements, I recommend to use the available controls (gauge, lcd, textual values, etc.) in conjonction with the data obsolescence settings (in settings > display).