This one was rather extreme. 50 degree diurnal ranges are a lot more common, but spring and fall are favorite seasons for those. We are in a shallow bowl here and so favor the cold air in the morning. On this particular morning, my reading was between 3 and 8 degrees lower than other sites within 20 miles. I live in a non-populated area as well, so the effects of civilization upon microclimate are limited.
Most all the vegetation that we have here has adapted for such a climate. That would be the only answer I could think of. Not a heck of a lot of trees here except along some water courses, and the native grass is tough old stuff.
I have a relative down in S Arizona and have visited the national park there near Tucson. You have your share of wild swings in temperature too...to say nothing of your lack of rain. I guess it is called adapt or die. Something the human race should be paying attention to, in my humble opinion.
Anyway, keeping track of the precip, temps, and wind keeps me occupied in my retirement. Take care, sir.
