Which condition can exacerbate off-target drift during aerial applications?

High temperatures can exacerbate off-target drift during aerial applications primarily due to their impact on the behavior of pesticides in the air. When temperatures rise, the volatility of certain chemicals increases, meaning they can evaporate more readily and become airborne. This can lead to an increased likelihood of these substances being carried away from the intended application site by air currents or thermals, resulting in off-target drift.

Additionally, high temperatures can also create conditions that contribute to thermal inversions, which can trap air pollutants near the ground and allow for greater drift away from the target area. These inversions often occur in the evening when cooler air settles, but the occurrence of high temperatures during the day can set the stage for these conditions.

In contrast, high humidity tends to increase droplet size and reduce evaporation, while low wind conditions generally lead to less drift due to decreased air movement. Clear skies, while not directly influencing drift, often correlate with higher temperatures, which is where the risk becomes more pronounced. Thus, it is the high temperatures that are most directly linked to exacerbating off-target drift during aerial applications.