The event-by-event $p_{\perp }$ fluctuations due to the temperature variations are considered. The so-called $\Phi$ measure is computed and shown to be a linear function of temperature variance. The fluctuations of temperature naturally explain the data on $\Phi {(p}_{\perp })$ in proton-proton and central Pb-Pb collisions, but independent measurements of temperature fluctuations are needed to confirm the explanation. Feasibility of such an event-by-event measurement is discussed.

• Received 19 July 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.64.054908