Weather and
Climate-
Humidity
By Anvika, Maahir, Matthew, Smera and Vedika
Index
Factors
Measuring Affecting Quiz Time
Defintion Humidity Humidity
Types of Humidity in Condensation Recap
Humidity Real Life
Definition
Our definition: Humidity is the amount of water in
the air.
Proper definition:
Humidity is the concentration of water vapour
present in the air. It indicates the likelihood for
precipitation, fog or dew to be present.
Types of Humidity
Humidity is primarily classified into 3 types
1 2 3
Absolute Relative Specific
Humidity Humidity Humidity
Absolute Humidity (AH)
1 2
It does not change with
Measures the actual
temperature. Absolute
amount of water vapor
humidity measures exact
in a specific volume of
moisture content in
air, usually in grams
closed systems, such as
per cubic meter.
greenhouses.
Relative Humidity (RH)
Compares the current amount of water vapor to the
maximum the air can hold at its current temperature.
Expressed as percentage, it’s essential for
weather forecasting. Higher RH means a higher
likelihood of rain, dew or fog
Specific Humidity (SH)
The mass of water vapor per unit
mass of moist air, expressed in
grams per kilogram.
Unlike AH or RH, this ratio
remains constant even if the air
parcel expands or contracts due
to pressure or temperature
changes.
Measuring humidity
Humidity is mainly measured through a device known a
hygrometer, which detects water vapour in the air through
changes in electrical resistance, capacitance, or physical
material expansion.
Apart from electronic and mechanical hygrometers, we can
measure humidity through psychrometers: comparing the
difference of temperature between 2 thermometers, 1
soaked in water.
Humidity in Real Life
When the humidity is too low, the air dries out and causes skin
irritation, chapped lips, dry or itchy eyes.
Low humidity also causes respiratory issues such as nosebleeds
and sore throats. It also increases the spread of airborne germs,
along with susceptibility to viruses.
It can also cause static electricity shocks, along with cracks and
gaps in wooden furniture. The low moisture can also shrink wood.
Humidity in Real Life
When the humidity is too high, the air is very damp
and muggy. There’s an increase in the growth of
mold and glass windows become foggy with the
warm air.
It is very uncomfortable and results in sweaty skin.
The moist air also affects the frizziness of hair.
Condensation
When the humidity level exceeds the amount that the
air can hold, condensation takes place as to not
suffocate the air completely.
When the temperature is warm, this forms dew on
cold surfaces, like grass or metal. When the
temperature is cool during condensation, frost forms.
Main Factors Affecting Humidity
Availability of
Evaporation Wind patterns
Water Bodies
Air Pressure
Air Temperature Vegetation
and Altitude
Quiz Time!
Quiz on Humidity
Q.1 Which place is more likely to have high
humidity?
A) A desert B) A mountain peak C) The seaside D) A polar region
Quiz on Humidity
Q.1 Which of these factors are NOT factors that
affect humidity?
A) Amount of sunlight B) Air pressure C) Wind patterns D) Vegetation
Quiz on Humidity
Q.1 What does higher Relative Humidity mean?
A) More oxygen present B) Higher wind speed C) Warmer air and D) Higher chance of rain
in the air than water sweaty skin
vapour
Quiz on Humidity
Q.1 Which of these are NOT effects of humidity?
A) Climate B) Sea breeze and Land C) Ice melting in a glass D) Mold growth
breeze
A Recap
1 2 3 4
Humidity is the There are three Wind patters, Both high
amout of types of humidity: air pressure, humidity and
moisture present AH, RH and SH temperature, low humidity
in the air evaporation, affect us
vegetation and negatively
water bodies affect
humidity.
Thank You