[ELI5] How do meteorologists objectively quantify the “feels like” temperature when it’s humid – is there a “default” humidity level?

Question

[ELI5] How do meteorologists objectively quantify the “feels like” temperature when it’s humid – is there a “default” humidity level?

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

You know how a 90 degree hot tub feels hotter than a 90 degree day outside? Thats because water transfers heat better than air does. Air with water in it (humidity), thus, will transfer heat better than air with no humidity. And it does this in a predictable way that you can calculate. So to answer your question, “base humidity” is okay essentially zero. Then you add more depending on the level of humidity