Short Wave Why Dew Point Is This Summer's 'It Girl'
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Jul 4, 2025 Dive into the intriguing world of dew point as meteorologists explain why it's the key to understanding summer heat. Discover how dew point affects outdoor comfort, especially for cyclists. Learn about the nuances of relative humidity and its impact on your plans. With engaging analogies and expert insights, the discussion highlights the critical role of dew point in predicting heat stress and its implications amid climate change. Get ready to stay cool and informed this summer!
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Understanding Relative Humidity Limits
- Relative humidity shows moisture percentage relative to max air capacity at a given temperature.
- This percentage can be misleading since warmer air holds more moisture even at the same relative humidity.
Dew Point Is Moisture's True Measure
- Dew point indicates the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and condensation begins.
- It provides a more absolute measure of moisture than relative humidity does.
Use Dew Point to Gauge Comfort
- Use dew point values to gauge how comfortable the air feels rather than relative humidity alone.
- Dew points above 65 degrees make the air feel swampy and increasingly uncomfortable.