What do you mean by relative humidity?

Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air relative to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature and pressure. It is expressed as a percentage and provides information about how close the air is to being saturated with moisture.

The relative humidity (RH) of air is determined by comparing the actual water vapor pressure to the saturation water vapor pressure at a specific temperature. When the relative humidity is 100%, the air is saturated with moisture, and condensation or precipitation may occur.

The formula to calculate relative humidity is:

RH=Actual water vapor pressureSaturation water vapor pressure×100%RH=Saturation water vapor pressureActual water vapor pressure×100%

Relative humidity is influenced by factors such as temperature, air pressure, and the amount of water vapor present in the air. Warmer air can hold more water vapor than colder air, so relative humidity tends to decrease as temperature increases, assuming the amount of water vapor remains constant. Conversely, relative humidity tends to increase as temperature decreases, even if the absolute humidity remains the same.

Relative humidity is an important factor in weather forecasting, as it influences phenomena such as cloud formation, precipitation, and the likelihood of fog. It also plays a significant role in human comfort and health, as high relative humidity can make hot temperatures feel even warmer and contribute to discomfort, while low relative humidity can lead to dry skin, respiratory irritation, and other health issues.