Under which conditions do roads freeze more quickly?

Roads freeze more quickly in shaded areas due to the lack of direct sunlight, which is a significant factor in maintaining surface temperatures. When an area is shaded, it doesn't receive as much solar radiation, causing temperatures to drop more rapidly compared to areas that are exposed to the sun. This is particularly important during the early morning or late evening when sunlight is less intense, allowing cooler temperatures to settle in.

In contrast, conditions such as sunny weather tend to warm the road surface, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Higher elevations may experience colder temperatures generally, but they can still be affected by sunlight exposure. Flat surfaces do not inherently cause freezing; rather, it's the exposure to environmental conditions that most impacts the rate of freezing. Hence, shaded areas are particularly prone to freezing because they do not benefit from the warming effects of sunlight.