What is Humidity?

Summertime is a fun time for all. It is also a time that we spend a lot of time outside at the pool, beach, or just cutting the grass. While spending time outside is is always important to remain safe by using sunscreen and staying hydrated. We all know that when the temperatures get into the 90's or 100's that it is going to be hot and we always hear about humidity and that it makes the air outside "feel" hotter. What many of us don't know is why the humidity has such an impact on our bodies.

First of all we will take a look at the human body. The average internal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When our bodies deviate from this temperature there are actions that our body take to get our bodies closer to 98.6 degrees. When we get really cold we shiver in order to generate body heat so that our internal temperature doesn't get too far from our normal temp. There is also a method for when we get too hot and we have all experienced it. Perspiration is the method by which our bodies try to remove heat from our bodies. The small droplets that form on our skin leave our body through the process of evaporation. When these drops evaporate they take heat away from the body which cools the body down to the normal temperature.

Now for the effects of humidity on their body. When the humidity in the atmosphere reaches 100% all that means is that the air has all the water in it that it can take. This is called saturation. This point varies depending on the pressure of the atmosphere which can also have and temperature. When you have dew on the grass in the morning it is the result of the humidity in the air, but that is irrelevant. When the air is saturated that prevents water from being evaporated from your skin since the air can not hold any more water. When the water can't leave your body, it also can not take the heat away from your body which is why you feel so hot when the humidity is high.

I hope this helps you understand your body a little better and maybe even a way to combat the heat. Remember to always take precautions when spending time outdoors to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.