Humidity: A Key Weather Variable — Passage
Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is a key weather variable that affects how comfortable we feel and plays a role in weather patterns like rain, fog, and dew.
Humidity is caused by the evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and plants. When water evaporates, it turns into water vapor, which mixes with the air. The warmer the air, the more water vapor it can hold.
Humidity is measured using a hygrometer. There are different types of hygrometers, including mechanical ones that use human hair (which expands and contracts with humidity) and electronic ones that use sensors.
The most common unit for humidity is grams of water vapor per cubic meter of air (g/m³). However, humidity is often expressed as relative humidity, which is a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature.
High humidity can make the air feel hotter because sweat evaporates more slowly, reducing the body’s ability to cool down. Low humidity, on the other hand, can cause dry skin and respiratory issues.
Fun fact: The highest humidity levels are often found in tropical regions, where warm air holds large amounts of water vapor.
What is humidity?
The amount of air pressureThe amount of water vapor in the airThe speed of the windThe temperature of the airWhat causes humidity?
The evaporation of waterThe Earth’s rotationThe moon’s gravityThe sun’s heatWhat instrument is used to measure humidity?
ThermometerBarometerHygrometerAnemometerWhat is the most common unit for humidity?
CelsiusGrams of water vapor per cubic meter of airMillibarsInches of mercuryWhat is relative humidity?
The total amount of water vapor in the airA percentage of the maximum water vapor the air can holdThe speed of the windThe temperature of the airHow does high humidity affect how we feel?
It makes the air feel coolerIt makes the air feel hotterIt has no effectIt causes dry skinWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Humidity is highest in polar regionsThe highest humidity levels are found in tropical regionsHumidity is not affected by temperatureHygrometers cannot measure humidityWhat is one effect of low humidity?
It makes the air feel hotterIt causes dry skin and respiratory issuesIt increases sweat evaporationIt causes rainRelated Content
