I figured I start with a "feel good" story today.
In light of the *ssholes launching missles into Israel.
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By the way folks, it's not the humidity....it's actually the dew point that makes it feel so sticky out.
Generally as the temp outside rises, the humidity will go down believe it or not.
When the temp and the dew point reach the same degree.....it could be raining where you are at.
If the air temperature and the dew point temperature are the same at the surface, and a cloud forms, guess what it is called? Fog is just that, a cloud at the surface. And you'll notice that when fog forms, the temperature and dew point are the same (or about the same). Also, light winds are favorable for the formation of fog.
The dew point can be related to rain or cloud formation because where the rain/cloud forms, the air temperature will be the same as the dewpoint temperature. However, a more important everyday use of the dewpoint temperature is in indicating the moisture content of the air. The higher the dewpoint temperature, the higher the moisture content of the air.
About Relative Humidity:
One thing you'll notice is that when the air temperature is close to the dew point, the relative humidity is high (often 80% or greater). But the relative humidity is relative. Dewpoint temperature is a better "absolute" measure of moisture in the air.
Why? Because it doesn't change when the air temperature changes, it only changes when the moisture content changes. (Assuming constant pressure).
In general, dew points above 70 degrees are very uncomfortable.
Most people consider dewpoints near 55 degrees and higher to be necessary for severe weather. That's just a guideline though.
To Summarize: The dew point is the temperature you must cool air at constant pressure in order for that airmass to become saturated. This does not necessarily mean a cloud or rain drop will form. When water does condense into a cloud or rain drop, it means that the air temperature and dew point temperature are the same, and this would mean we have 100% relative humidity. High dew points mean high moisture content of the air, which often translates to muggy and uncomfortable conditions.
The dew point can be related to rain or cloud formation because where the rain/cloud forms, the air temperature will be the same as the dewpoint temperature. However, a more important everyday use of the dewpoint temperature is in indicating the moisture content of the air. The higher the dewpoint temperature, the higher the moisture content of the air.
About Relative Humidity:
One thing you'll notice is that when the air temperature is close to the dew point, the relative humidity is high (often 80% or greater). But the relative humidity is relative. Dewpoint temperature is a better "absolute" measure of moisture in the air.
Why? Because it doesn't change when the air temperature changes, it only changes when the moisture content changes. (Assuming constant pressure).
In general, dew points above 70 degrees are very uncomfortable.
Most people consider dewpoints near 55 degrees and higher to be necessary for severe weather. That's just a guideline though.
To Summarize: The dew point is the temperature you must cool air at constant pressure in order for that airmass to become saturated. This does not necessarily mean a cloud or rain drop will form. When water does condense into a cloud or rain drop, it means that the air temperature and dew point temperature are the same, and this would mean we have 100% relative humidity. High dew points mean high moisture content of the air, which often translates to muggy and uncomfortable conditions.
So, it's the dew point NOT the humidity.
EXAMPLE:
Right now in Kansas City the dew point is 77 degrees!! Our temp is about 92...BUT the humidity is only 63%......as the temp drops though, the humidity will go up, when the temp drops enough to hit the dew point level....it'll probably be raining. And I'm telling you what....it is stickier than molasses out right now......w/the humidity only being 63%.
Thusly, (is that a word?) the next time somebody syas it's not the heat, it's the humidity....you can politley correct them and say, "No, it's the dew point!"
Have a good one!!
D C
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