The Nation Report: What is the difference between air and surface temperature? The Nation Posted: Nov 19, 2019 / 06:46 PM MST / Updated: Nov 19, 2019 / 06:51 PM MST GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Chief Meteorologist Kris Nation explains air temperature vs. surface temperature on Tuesday’s Nation Report. Temperature at the surface is colder than air temperature, which causes frost on windshields and roads.