Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere. It is a key element that affects comfort levels, precipitation, and even the spread of diseases.
- Types of Humidity:
- Absolute Humidity: Total amount of water vapor in the air.
- Relative Humidity (RH): The ratio of current water vapor to the maximum possible at a given temperature (expressed in %).
- Specific Humidity: Amount of water vapor per unit mass of air.
- Why Humidity is Important:
- High humidity makes the air feel hotter than it is because sweat evaporates slowly.
- Low humidity can cause dry skin, dehydration, and static electricity.
- It influences rainfall, fog formation, and cloud development.
- Impact on Health & Comfort:
- Ideal indoor relative humidity is between 40–60% for comfort.
- Very high humidity can cause discomfort, mold growth, and breathing issues.
- Low humidity leads to dry air, cracked skin, and irritation in the respiratory system.