How is temperature best defined?

Temperature is best defined as the degree or intensity of heat, which directly quantifies how hot or cold an object or environment is. It reflects the energy within a substance and is typically measured using scales such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin. This definition encapsulates the concept of temperature as a fundamental physical property that can be scientifically measured and observed in various contexts, such as in weather patterns, scientific experiments, or everyday life.

Other choices reflect concepts related to climate or atmospheric conditions but do not accurately capture the essence of temperature. For instance, measuring humidity involves assessing the amount of moisture in the air rather than the heat itself, while average conditions over time pertain more to climate rather than the instantaneous measure of heat. Lastly, the difference between day and night relates to varying temperatures but does not provide a definition of temperature itself.