I’m not from this area of the country, but I have experienced some really hot summers in other parts of the US. But nothing really compares to this weather. It is unbearable in every way. I feel like I need a shower just sitting here and dehydration is inevitable.
Why is it so brutal here!?
In: Planetary Science
Humidity and temperature are correlated. Our *perception* of temperature is affected by humidity levels. When the air humidity is very high, the perspiration process is impeded; it will be harder for water to be evaporated from our skin into the air since the air is already quite moist (full of water). Hence our ability to cool will be obstructed and we will feel that the temperature is hotter than it actually is.
This is why you will occasionally hear someone in a desert say, “At least it’s a dry heat.” If two regions have identical temperature, the region with the higher humidity will be much more unpleasant and even dangerous.
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