Relative Humidity and feeling of comfort

In summary, the conversation highlights the impact of humidity on climate and human comfort. The more humid the air is, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate, making hot days feel more unbearable. This is due to the air already being saturated with water vapor, making it difficult for our bodies to cool down through evaporation. The type of humidity, influenced by factors such as proximity to bodies of water and human activities, can also play a role in how comfortable or uncomfortable a place feels.
  • #1
dennisrobert
4
0
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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  • #2
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 (?).
 
  • #3


As a fellow traveler, I can definitely relate to your experience with high humidity. It can definitely make a hot day feel even more unbearable. From what I understand, humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. So, in a place like Kolkata where the relative humidity is 65%, that means the air is holding 65% of the maximum amount of water vapor it can hold at that temperature. In Madison, with a relative humidity of 85%, the air is holding 85% of the maximum amount of water vapor it can hold at that temperature.

So, even though the temperature may be the same in both places, the air in Kolkata is already holding a lot of water vapor, making it harder for our sweat to evaporate. This is because our bodies use evaporation as a way to cool down, and if the air is already saturated with water vapor, it can't absorb any more, making it harder for our sweat to evaporate.

Additionally, the type of humidity can also make a difference. In Kolkata, the humidity is likely due to the high amount of moisture in the air from the nearby ocean. In Madison, the humidity may be due to the presence of lakes and rivers, but it may also be influenced by factors such as agricultural practices and air pollution.

Overall, it's a combination of high humidity and the type of humidity that can make a place feel more uncomfortable. So, it's no surprise that you felt more irritable in Kolkata compared to Madison, even though the temperatures were similar. Hope that helps explain the difference in humidity between the two cities!
 

1. What is relative humidity and how does it affect our comfort?

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air compared to the maximum amount that could be present at that temperature. It affects our comfort by influencing the rate of evaporation from our skin, which determines how easily our bodies can cool down. Higher relative humidity can make us feel hotter and more uncomfortable, while lower relative humidity can make us feel colder and drier.

2. What is the ideal relative humidity for comfort?

The ideal relative humidity for comfort varies depending on personal preference, but generally falls between 30-60%. This range allows for enough moisture in the air to prevent dryness and discomfort, while also not being too high to cause excessive sweating and heat retention.

3. Can relative humidity affect our health?

Yes, relative humidity can have a significant impact on our health. High relative humidity can create an environment for mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to respiratory issues. Low relative humidity can cause dryness in the respiratory tract, making us more susceptible to respiratory infections.

4. How can we control relative humidity in our homes?

There are a few ways to control relative humidity in our homes. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels, while using a humidifier can increase humidity levels. Proper ventilation and air circulation can also help regulate humidity levels. Additionally, fixing any leaks or water damage in the home can prevent excess moisture and mold growth.

5. Is relative humidity the same as dew point?

No, relative humidity and dew point are two different measurements. Relative humidity is a percentage that compares the amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount that could be present at that temperature, while dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water. Dew point is a better indicator of how much moisture is in the air, while relative humidity tells us how close the air is to being saturated.

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