39+ Interesting Humidity Facts That Should Be Known To All
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There's hardly an individual who prefers sticky humid weather.
Is a hot day synonymous with a humid day? Absolutely not!
Just like its relief features, the Earth shows versatility in its climatic conditions too. Extreme climates characterize numerous places on the Earth. Some places are too cold to withstand while some are excessively hot and some others are intolerably humid.
High humidity levels directly impact productivity, especially when it's labor-intensive. However, humidity is essential for sustenance. Let's learn some interesting humidity facts to know more!
Causes Of Humidity
Humid conditions are caused due to several factors. Let's learn about the reasons that lead to humidity both indoors as well as outdoors.
Humidity in the air is mainly due to evaporation but it is not only restricted to the outdoors.
Firstly, what is meant by humidity? Humidity is nothing but the water vapor content of the air. When water heats up, it turns into its gaseous or vapor form, a process defined as evaporation.
The presence of water vapor in its gaseous form is imperceptible to the human eye but its effects can be felt by the human body. When there's a greater quantity of water molecules in the air, the humidity level increases.
Generally, the humidity levels of an area are measured in terms of relative humidity and absolute humidity. The relative humidity is documented in daily weather reports.
Relative humidity implies the actual water vapor content of the air as compared to the percent of the highest quantity of water vapor that the air can retain at the same temperature. So, high humidity leaves no space in the air to absorb more moisture.
Have you ever wondered why the kitchen is more humid than other rooms? It's because of the cooking! The process of cooking releases lots of water vapor, particularly when food is boiled. This adds to indoor humidity.
Another everyday household chore that increases moisture build-up in the air is drying clothes.
Clothes absorb and retain a great quantity of water after being washed. This water eventually evaporates during the drying process and adds excess moisture to the air.
Similarly, indoor humidity levels rise while showering.
You must have noticed innumerable tiny water droplets form on the cold surface of the walls and mirrors. This is because when the released water vapor comes in contact with colder surfaces, condensation takes place. Liquid droplets can be noticed particularly during hot baths when a great amount of steam is released.
Other factors such as bad ventilation, warm coastal air, excessive rainfall, and others influence the humidity level of a particular location.
Effects Of Humidity
Humidity comes with its pros and cons. Check out some of its major effects on day-to-day life.
Humidity is detested for its negative impacts. It is the chief reason behind mold growth in wetter areas like bathrooms.
Humidity is responsible for the malfunctioning of electric equipment because when the moisture in the air condenses on these electronic appliances, it oftentimes causes power loss by interrupting the current flow. Appliances like computers and televisions are mostly affected.
Several home appliances come in handy in minimizing the effects of humidity and ensuring humidity control. For instance, a dehumidifier can considerably reduce the negative impacts of humidity by sucking the moisture from the air. Air conditioners are also effective in minimizing a home's humidity levels.
Do you know why American states like Louisiana and Texas witness frequent hurricanes? It's because of high humidity. These places are located near the Gulf of Mexico where the relative humidity level is much higher. As a result, these places are subject to heavy rainfalls, flooding, and hurricanes.
Humidity brings along several health problems. When the relative humidity is high, the perspiration released by the body can't be evaporated which implies that the body has to work harder to cool off. This contributes to excessive sweating that leads to water loss or even hyperthermia.
Are you aware that dust mites thrive in places with high humidity? Bugs, dust mites, and bacteria are responsible for allergies and breathing issues. When the air temperature dips, it becomes ideal for the survival of dust mites and bugs because the moisture content in the air increases.
Health issues such as fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, heat stroke, headache, and fainting.
Skin problems like dry skin, eczema itching, and flaky skin are common issues caused by low humidity. Humidity is also responsible for curling up hair and frizziness.
Low humidity is associated with problems like allergies. Sometimes unmonitored allergies cause sinus infections, dryness in the throat, eye irritation, and even nose bleeds.
On the other hand, people inflicted with breathing problems and asthma suffers when the humidity levels soar. This is because the presence of too much moisture makes the air heavy and impairs breathing.
The Importance Of Humidity
Do you know what would have happed in the absence of humidity? What is the importance of humid environments? Time to find out!
While high and low humidity levels can potentially harm the overall well-being of people, the correct levels of relative humidity are believed to be beneficial.
When the home's humidity level ranges between 40% and 70%, it lessens the survivability of several viruses like measles and influenza. Proper humidity control is necessary to combat the growth of allergens.
Humidity has a great influence on human health. High humidity can trigger heart attacks, heatstrokes, and breathing problems. Controlled humidity helps to maintain a healthy living standard.
Animals are also impacted by humidity as the body temperature needs to be regulated constantly. In the absence of proper humidity irregularities in diet, reproduction problems, and greater mortality becomes inevitable.
The process of the water cycle is incomplete without moisture. Without moisture in the air, there would be no rains. No rainfall means no crops for sustenance.
Do you know why it's nearly impossible to thrive in bitterly cold places? It's because cold air holds very less moisture as compared to warm air.
Examples Of Humid Areas
Humid tropical areas are generally located close to the equator sandwiched between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. Here's a list of some of the popular humid areas across the globe!
Phoenix
Hong Kong
Athens
Las Vegas
Mexicali
Melbourne
Bangkok
Kuala Lumpur
Florida
Saudi Arabia
California
Mississippi
Georgia
Indiana
FAQs
Q: Why is humidity so important?
A: Humidity is essential for maintaining a balance in the Earth's atmosphere. It also influences the body temperature of living beings.
Q: What is high and low humidity?
A: Humidity refers to the water vapor contained in the air. When the humidity levels exceed 50%, it is regarded as high humidity whereas humidity levels under 30% mean low humidity.
Q: What causes humidity?
A: Humidity is mainly caused by evaporation. The water vapor released in the air is responsible for the humidity.
Q: What affects humidity?
A: Factors like temperature and human activities affect the humidity of an area.
Q: What increases air humidity?
A: When the air temperature takes a dip, the humidity of the surrounding air increases.
Q: What are the chief factors that affect humidity?
A: Temperature conditions play a major role in affecting the humidity of a place.
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Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature.
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