Which of the following conditions is most likely to lead to the development of an inversion layer?

The development of an inversion layer is most commonly associated with clear and calm nights. Under these conditions, the ground loses heat rapidly through radiation, which cools the air close to the surface. Since warm air is less dense than cooler air, the cooler air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer air that has not cooled as much. This phenomenon prevents air from mixing, resulting in stable atmospheric conditions characterized by an inversion.

In contrast, strong winds with high turbulence disrupt the stable layers of the atmosphere, promoting mixing rather than allowing cool air to settle under warmer air. Similarly, frequent precipitation events typically involve vertical mixing of the atmosphere, which can lead to cooling and cloud formation but does not favor the development of a stable inversion layer. A rapid temperature rise throughout the day usually indicates instability in the atmosphere, which is not conducive to maintaining an inversion layer, as the ground warms up and leads to convective currents that mix the air layers.