In metereology, surface temperature is defined as the air temperature near the surface of the earth.

Your right BDlvr, the thermo probe placed on the hotspot is measuring a surface temperature, but it is also measuring the air temp above the surface. The probe has limited contact with the surface, thus exposing the rest to air.

To me there is no definition of "true temperature" - there are just temperatures. Thermometers placed in the shade measure temps that are limited or unaffected by radiant heat from the sun.

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