OK, here is an Engineer type answer:
According to Bridgestone Tire Company in response to a question about tire temp sensors installed in aluminum wheels: "a general rule of thumb is that a properly inflated/loaded timre, when up to operating temperature - one hour or more of operation - will typically run about 60 degrees F hotter than the ambient temperature. Anything above 200 degrees F could lead to tire degradation and you need to investigate for a problem." Bridgestone Tire Company also says the following regarding surface/tread temperature (which you would see if you use an infrared thermometer): "While there are many factors, such as ambient temperature, load, speed, air pressure, wheel position and tire pattern that will determine the tread temperature of a truck tire in normal operating conditions, we normally experience surface tread temperatures in the range of 150 to 180 degrees F." They also note that the ribs will be cooler than the grooves and the center will be cooler than the shoulders.
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