DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Stuffy, stifling, muggy, sultry, sticky, steamy, oppressive: call it what you like, but Summertime humidity is in! Â
To better understand the suffocating nature of high humidity, let us first discuss relative humidity; after all, it is relative to its surroundings.  Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture (water vapor) in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature. It's expressed in percentages. So, if the air contains half the moisture it can hold at a given temperature, the relative humidity is 50%. But, we all know 50% relative humidity feels different at 10 degrees when compared to 90 degrees. Hence the word "relative".Â
A more important measurement is called the dew point temperature. That is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture (water vapor) and dew begins to form.  A higher dew point means more moisture, leading to more humid conditions.  The benchmark for "sticky" weather is a 60 degree dew point temperature.  At 70, it's really muggy, and at 80 it is just downright oppressive.Â
Take care, stay hydrated in the Summer months ahead, and stay sweaty!
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