المملكة: Climate Professor: Humidity is a crucial factor in the sensation of heat
Former climate professor at Qassim University and Vice President of Saudi Weather and Climate Society, Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad, said that air temperature alone is not sufficient to judge the extent of human comfort in hot climates, pointing out that relative humidity is the most important factor in determining the true sensation of heat, and that relying on what is known as"Heat index" (Heat Index) gives a more accurate picture of the weather conditions that people feel.
He explained that comparing a dry inland city is The temperatureis 45 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity not exceeding 20%, and a coastal city records 35 degrees Celsius with a humidity of up to 80%, showing that the feeling of comfort is better in the inner city, despite the high temperature there, due to low humidity.
He explained that the body relies mainly on the secretion of sweat and its evaporation from the surface of the skin to get rid of excess heat, as the evaporation process leads to efficient cooling of the body, pointing out that dry air is more able to absorb Water vapor, which accelerates the evaporation of sweat and improves the efficiency of the body’s self-cooling.
Sensation of heat
He added that humid coastal climates are saturated with water vapor, which limits the evaporation of sweat and weakens the body’s natural cooling process, which leads to an increase in the sensation of heat, a feeling of malaise, lethargy, and heat exhaustion, and may be reflected in physical activity and productive efficiency, especially during the summer.
Dr. Al-Misnad pointed out that high humidity does not increase the temperature. The air temperature itself, but it raises the actual feeling of it as a result of the body’s decreased efficiency in getting rid of heat, stressing that this explains why many people feel hotter in coastal cities compared to inland areas, despite the lower recorded temperatures.
He stressed the importance of not just following the announced temperatures, but rather taking into account the relative humidity and heat index when assessing the atmosphere and taking the necessary precautions, especially during heat waves, because of this’s role in reducing the risks of stress and heat exhaustion.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
