Why is humid weather uncomfortable

Water is a unique substance. It can exist as a liquid, solid ice , and gas water vapor. A primary way water vapor increases in the atmosphere is through evaporation. Liquid water evaporates from oceans, lakes, rivers, plants, the ground, and fallen rain. A lot or a little water vapor can be present in the air. Winds in the atmosphere then transport the water vapor from one place to another. A major source of water vapor in Kentucky is the Gulf of Mexico.

Most of the water vapor in the atmosphere is contained within the first 10, feet or so above the earth's surface. Water vapor also is called moisture. Absolute humidity expressed as grams of water vapor per cubic meter volume of air is a measure of the actual amount of water vapor moisture in the air, regardless of the air's temperature. The higher the amount of water vapor, the higher the absolute humidity. For example, a maximum of about 30 grams of water vapor can exist in a cubic meter volume of air with a temperature in the middle 80s.

Absolute and specific humidity are quite similar in concept. In other words, it is a measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount of vapor that can exist in the air at its current temperature.

What we "feel" outside is the actual amount of moisture absolute humidity in the air. Meteorologists routinely consider the "dewpoint" temperature instead of, but analogous to absolute humidity to evaluate moisture, especially in the spring and summer. The dewpoint temperature, which provides a measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air, is the temperature to which the air must be cooled in order for that air to be saturated.

Although weather conditions affect people differently, in general in the spring and summer, surface dewpoint temperatures in the 50s usually are comfortable to most people, in the 60s are somewhat uncomfortable humid , and in the 70s are quite uncomfortable very humid. In the Ohio Valley including Kentucky , common dewpoints during the summer range from the middle 60s to middle 70s. Dewpoints as high as 80 or the lower 80s have been recorded, which is very oppressive but fortunately relatively rare.

While dewpoint gives one a quick idea of moisture content in the air, relative humidity does not since the humidity is relative to the air temperature. In other words, relative humidity cannot be determined from knowing the dewpoint alone, the actual air temperature must also be known. If the air is totally saturated at a particular level e. If the relative humidity is percent i.

It simply means that the maximum amount of moisture is in the air at the particular temperature the air is at. Saturation may result in fog at the surface and clouds aloft which consist of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. Droplets grow through a process called "collision-coalescence" whereby droplets of varying sizes collide and fuse together coalesce. The higher the dew point, the muggier it will be. Humidity FAQ What is relative humidity? Relative humidity is a percentage that represents the amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature compared to the max possible water vapor amount at that same temperature.

For instance, relative humidity of 25 percent means that air is at a quarter of its possible water vapor capacity.

What is absolute humidity? The higher the air temperature is, the more water vapor it can potentially contain. What's the difference between absolute humidity and relative humidity?

Both readings measure water vapor levels in the air. However, relative humidity measures how much water vapor the air actually holds by comparing it to the maximum achievable amount at a given temperature. In contrast, absolute humidity simply measures the total amount of water vapor air can hold without considering the temperature.

What is an uncomfortable level of humidity? Most people are comfortable with a relative humidity level of percent. Higher levels are uncomfortable because there's too much moisture in the air, making people sweaty and unable to cool down. What causes high levels of humidity?

High humidity which is anything over 50 percent or so is caused by high temperatures. What is it in antiperspirant that stops sweat? Why does your body temperature rise when you have a virus such as the flu?

Sources Environmental Protection Agency. April 19, National Weather Service. Cite This! Try Our Sudoku Puzzles! More Awesome Stuff. If you feel yourself becoming fatigued, take a moment to cool off. Find a location with air conditioning if you or anyone with you is at high risk for developing any of the above health dangers, such as older adults or young children.

If you continue to feel worse or experience the above conditions, seek medical attention at an emergency or urgent care facility. Sometimes you need care right away, with no time to wait for an appointment. We offer prompt treatment for illnesses and injuries 12 hours a day, seven days a week. With several western Pennsylvania locations , plus more throughout the state, you can find immediate care close to you.

Our services include treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, physicals, prescription filling, and flu shots and immunizations. Wait times are usually shorter than the emergency room for minor injuries and illnesses, and we accept most major insurance.

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