Abstract <p>When studying the propagation of optical radiation through the atmosphere, it is important to take into account its possible distortions due to turbulence of temperature and wind fields. The dependence of the structure characteristic of the refractive index of optical waves in the surface air layer on gradients of temperature and wind velocity, as well as on turbulent heat fluxes and friction (dynamic) velocity is considered based on experimental data obtained in 2024 at the Basic Experimental Complex of Institute of Atmospheric Optics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Tomsk, Russia), with an ultrasonic anemometer-thermometer (ultrasonic weather station) and a meteorological temperature profiler. Some regularities are identified in the correlation between the structure characteristic and the meteorological parameters. It is noted that high values of the structure characteristic can take place under conditions of temperature inversions. The results can be useful in solving problems of atmospheric optics, in particular, propagation of laser radiation.</p>