Author Institution: Department of Mathematics, University of DaytonA sinusoidal temperature model has been developed which describes maximum and minimum temperature patterns through a yearly cycle for the major cities in and around the state of Ohio. Thirty-year monthly means provide the basis for the calculation of model parameters that are used to analytically compare temperature patterns among the selected cities. An amplitude of 11.8°C for the minimum temperature cycle in Columbus implies that the average minimum temperature for January in this city was 23.6°C colder than the average summer minimum temperature for July. Larger amplitudes for the maximum temperature cycles imply a larger difference between average summer daily extremes than for average winter daily extremes. With minimum winter temperatures well below freezing over the state, the model indicates a period of over 100 days during winter where the average minimum daily temperatures are below 0°C
