Relative Humidity and feeling of comfort

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the impact of relative humidity on comfort levels in different climates, specifically comparing Madison, USA, and Kolkata, India. Despite both cities experiencing similar temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius, Kolkata's humidity level of 65% results in less effective sweat evaporation compared to Madison's 85%. Factors such as wind intensity and sunlight exposure are identified as significant contributors to the perceived discomfort in high humidity environments. This analysis underscores the biological implications of humidity on human comfort.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative humidity and its measurement
  • Basic knowledge of human physiology related to temperature regulation
  • Familiarity with meteorological concepts such as wind speed and sunlight intensity
  • Awareness of geographical climate differences
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  • Investigate the role of wind chill and its impact on perceived temperature
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This discussion is beneficial for climatologists, health professionals, and anyone interested in the effects of humidity on human comfort and well-being.

dennisrobert
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Hi,

The more humid it is, the more irritable the climate will be. The sweat will not evaporate easily if the relative humidity is high.

I have been to two cities in two different countries recently - Madison in USA and Kolkata in India. The humidity in Kolkata is about 65% and that in Madison is about 85%. During noon, the temperature in Madison would be about 35 degree Celsius and that in Kolkata also its about the same. But even with a lower humidity, the sweat that our bodyproduce, doesn't evaporate as easily in Kolkata as that in Madison. Why is that?
 
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Wind would be a possible explanation. The intensity of sunlight is relevant for body temperature (regulation), too.
I think this is more a biology question (?).
 

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