Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air, with higher levels in equatorial cities. Humidity affects precipitation and can make temperatures feel more extreme. Coastal breezes can lessen humidity.
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air and can vary depending on the time of year and the presence of active rainfall. Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture that actually exists compared to the amount that could exist. Dew points reflect temperatures where 100% humidity will occur.
There are some regions that tend to have higher levels of humidity in the air than others. In general, cities that are closer to the equator have higher dew points and feel wetter. A muggy feeling is common in these cities, especially in the morning. Cities with high humidity and low dew points are more arid in appearance.
Air humidity is a key component of this measurement. When there is more humidity, there is a greater chance of precipitation and storm activity tends to increase. For example, locations like Florida in the United States tend to experience regular afternoon thunderstorms year-round.
Cold air is unable to hold as much moisture. In many locations, cool morning temperatures often result in visible dew on plants and grass as the air releases water it cannot hold.
Relative humidity indicates the percentage of humidity in the air. For example, a measurement of 30% relative humidity could indicate low levels, while 50 or 60% would indicate high levels. When precipitation occurs, these percentages typically approach 100%, indicating full saturation.
Air thickness tends to be greater with higher humidity levels. In addition to an overall muggy feeling, these higher levels can also make hot or cold temperatures more extreme. In humid places, warm temperatures will feel hotter than the same temperatures in an arid climate. Likewise, cool temperatures in humid locations will feel much colder than the same temperatures in a dry area.
An example of this phenomenon can be seen in a location like Florida. Residents of this state often don sweaters and turn on the heat in temperatures up to 50°F (10°C). The same temperature in a drier climate, like the state of Colorado, could prompt those residents to turn off their radiators.
Coastal breezes can lessen the feeling of humidity. The breeze helps circulate the air and removes some of its heaviness, while cooling down the temperatures. Cities that are inland tend to retain a stuffy feel.
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