| Many weather experts insist on being absolutely | | | | saturation to occur at a certain temperature. |
| accurate in defining terms. For most people | | | | Relative humidity is expressed in percentages and |
| though, the simpler the explanation about humidity | | | | is again a useful tool when predicting the weather. |
| the better. In simple terms, humidity is a measure | | | | For rain to occur, relative humidity should be at |
| of the amount of water vapor in the air. The | | | | 100%. |
| truth is that much of the earth's surface is | | | | This is all well and good for weather forecasters |
| covered with water, millions of cubic miles of it. | | | | and specialists. Average individuals though would |
| Only a very small fraction of that is water vapor. | | | | be more likely to wonder about the connection |
| The amount of water vapor however at any | | | | between high humidity levels and body |
| given time is a valuable tool in weather | | | | temperatures. When conditions are humid, we |
| forecasting. | | | | often feel warm and uncomfortable. This is |
| How did water vapor get into the air anyway? | | | | because body temperature is regulated by |
| Part of understanding humidity is also knowing the | | | | perspiration. When the saturation point has been |
| basic concept of evaporation. When there is | | | | reached, human sweat cannot effectively |
| sufficient thermal energy, kinetic energy is | | | | evaporate, thereby leading to the familiar feelings |
| transferred to water molecules on earth, thereby | | | | of discomfort on a humid day. In some cases, we |
| allowing them to break free from their liquid form | | | | may even feel languid or lazy on a humid day. |
| and evaporate. More water therefore tends to | | | | This happens when the environment is too warm |
| rise up on hot days simply because there is | | | | for the skin to release heat. |
| substantial thermal energy. | | | | Understanding humidity can also now help us |
| Once up there, a certain saturation point has to | | | | understand why we need humidifiers and |
| be reached for precipitation to be possible. In | | | | dehumidifiers. It is estimated that humidity should |
| other words, when water vapor is too much at a | | | | be at about 30% to 60% to keep comfortable. |
| certain temperature, rain might fall. Different | | | | The mid point between this range is the ideal |
| temperatures come with different saturation | | | | figure. In many offices therefore, air conditioning |
| points. | | | | set correctly is important to ensure maximum |
| One term that is vital to understanding humidity is | | | | comfort and performance. |
| relative humidity. If you often listen to weather | | | | Understanding humidity need not be rocket |
| reports, you are likely to hear this term. Relative | | | | science. Although humidity is really quite |
| humidity is simply the amount of current water | | | | complicated, it is enough to know what it is and |
| vapor compared to the amount needed for | | | | why it is important to know about it. |