A high-resolution, non-contact sensor that measures the temperature of an elongated roll comprises an array of low-mass air temperature elements positioned adjacent the cylindrical surface. As the roll rotates a boundary layer of air is formed along the contour of the roll. Each air temperature element can be housed in a chamber into which a portion of the boundary layer air directed. The temperature of the air temperature element eventually stabilizes and is a function of the roll surface temperature. Associated air compensator elements detect ambient air temperatures and the actual surface temperature profile is extracted from calibration curves based on measurements from both the air temperature and compensator elements.