Outdoor humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air outside. High outdoor humidity occurs when the moisture content in the air is unusually elevated compared to normal conditions. While optimum outdoor humidity levels usually range between 30-50%, humidity levels above 60% are generally considered high.
What Causes High Humidity Outdoors?
Several factors can contribute to abnormally high humidity levels outdoors:
Weather Conditions
- Rainfall or thunderstorms add a lot of moisture to the air, rapidly increasing humidity. Continuous rainfall over several days can cause prolonged high humidity.
- Warm, stagnant air prevents moisture from dispersing, leading to muggy, humid conditions. Lack of wind flow allows humidity to accumulate.
- Transition seasons like summer-monsoon and winter-spring often experience spikes in humidity due to changing weather patterns.
Geographical Location
- Coastal areas tend to be more humid than inland regions due to evaporation from large water bodies.
- Landscapes with dense vegetation and large water bodies (lakes, rivers, etc.) contribute to high humidity.
- Tropical or equatorial climate regions experience consistently high humidity due to intense solar radiation.
Urbanization
- Urban areas with high pollution tend to have higher humidity due to less evaporation and reduced air circulation.
- Extensive concrete surfaces in cities absorb and radiate heat, increasing atmospheric moisture through evaporation.
What Humidity Level is Considered High?
While optimal outdoor humidity is 30-50%, different sources consider humidity levels above the following thresholds as high:
- Above 60%: The air starts feeling muggy, sticky, and uncomfortable for most people at this point. Outdoor activities become increasingly difficult.
- 70-80%: Humidity is quite oppressive at this level. Sweating provides little relief and evaporation is limited, causing bodily discomfort.
- Above 80%: Extremely humid conditions where the body can no longer cool itself through perspiration. The atmosphere feels heavy, stifling, and muggy. Prolonged exposure is unhealthy.
However, these thresholds depend on ambient temperature and geographical region. Humidity feels higher at higher temperatures. In hot tropical climates, people may consider 70-80% humidity as normal.
Effects of High Outdoor Humidity on Health and Comfort
High humidity outdoors impacts health and makes conditions uncomfortable:
- Excessive sweating with little evaporation or relief, leading to dehydration, electrolyte loss, fatigue, and heat exhaustion.
- Reduced thermal comfort – inability to lose body heat efficiently due to moisture saturation in air.
- Increased perception of heat and discomfort, potentially dangerous during heat waves.
- Aggravation of respiratory illnesses like asthma due to limited evaporation of mucus.
- Favorable conditions for growth of mold, fungi, and other disease-causing vectors like mosquitoes.
- Increased corrosion and weathering of buildings, metal structures, and monuments due to moisture.
- Discomfort in wearing glasses and contact lenses due to condensation and fogging.
- Difficulty handling or preparing food due to condensation and spoilage risk.
- Reduced effectiveness of sweating and body odor.
- Frizzy hair and diminished hairbrushing quality.
Tips to Manage High Humidity Outdoors
Here are some ways to stay comfortable and safe when humidity is high outside:
- Hydrate regularly – Drink plenty of fluids to replenish loss from sweating. Water, electrolyte drinks, or coconut water work well.
- Opt for cooling fabrics – Lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothes like cotton, linen, etc. can improve comfort.
- Seek air conditioning – Head indoors to malls, libraries, or other air-conditioned spaces to cool down.
- Use fans/ventilation – Improve air circulation indoors and outdoors with fans.
- Limit outdoor time – Reduce activities during the humid afternoon hours if possible.
- Shower/bathe frequently – Cool showers remove sweat and refresh.
- Consider a dehumidifier – Mechanical removal of moisture can provide localized relief indoors.
- Check weather forecasts – Monitor humidity along with temperature to plan outdoor activities accordingly.
- Avoid strenuous work – Take frequent breaks and pace yourself when exertion is required.
With some precautions, we can stay safe and relatively comfortable even when outdoor humidity is high. Monitoring weather reports and planning activity during cooler parts of the day can go a long way towards minimizing the impact of muggy, humid air. Staying well-hydrated and wearing moisture-wicking clothes is also key to enjoying the outdoors during humid spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy outdoor humidity level?
Between 30-50% humidity is considered comfortable and healthy outdoors. Humidity above 60% starts feeling increasingly uncomfortable.
Is 80% humidity high outside?
Yes, 80% humidity outdoors is very high. At this level, the atmosphere feels extremely muggy, sticky, and oppressive for most people. Sweating gives little relief and outdoor conditions are quite stifling.
Is 70% humidity high?
Humidity of 70% is high and starts feeling quite uncomfortable outdoors. At 70% humidity, air is noticeably muggy and sweat evaporation is limited, making people feel overheated.
What causes humidity without rain?
High humidity without rain can be caused by nearby water bodies, moist winds blowing inland from the sea, stagnant air and lack of ventilation trapping moisture, and effects of vegetation transpiration and evaporation.
Is 50% humidity high for summer?
50% humidity is not considered high for summer. While slightly muggy, humidity around 50% during summer is still generally comfortable for most people for normal outdoor activities. Higher humidity levels would be considered high.
How can I stay comfortable in high humidity?
Ways to stay comfortable in high outdoor humidity include hydrating frequently, wearing breathable fabrics, seeking air conditioning, using fans/ventilation, limiting outdoor exposure during peak heat, showering to cool down, and avoiding strenuous activity.
Conclusion
High outdoor humidity reduces comfort and poses health risks like dehydration and heat exhaustion.Humidity above 60% is considered high, with muggy discomfort becoming more pronounced above 70-80%. Weather conditions, geography, urbanization, and local climate influence outdoor humidity. Staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and managing activity levels can help minimize the effects of high humidity outdoors. Monitoring humidity forecasts allows planning activities at times of lower humidity. With proper precautions, the effects of high humidity can be mitigated for improved comfort outdoors.