Understanding the dew point temperature

Dew point temperature, a number that becomes very important when the summer months roll around. Why is that? Well, the dew point gives you an idea of how much water vapor is in the air. In other words, how dry or humid the air around you is. 

The dew point temperature is always at or below the air temperature, never higher. And the greater the difference between the dew point and air temperature, the drier the air will feel. For instance, values below 50 are generally very comfortable. Most people will start to feel the humidity when numbers are above the 60 ° mark. When numbers are sitting at or above 70°, that’s when it feels uncomfortable or oppressive outside, like the air in Tampa Bay or Miami, Florida. Or, as meteorologists like to say, "air you can wear".

During the summer months, we track these values to see just how high the heat index will get and sometimes, it could make for dangerous heat. That is why it is important to either drink plenty of fluids and take breaks in the shade on a hot summer day. Because when your body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature, leading to heat-related illnesses.