.
.
D.C. had indicated something about dew point being a point to consider when understanding why one day feels hotter than another in spite of temperature. Now, not knowing a thing about dew point, other than as an indicator regarding fog, frost perhaps, and some other things, I decided to do a little research. Not that it took long, required calculus, or even trig, but it is interesting. From what I have read, dew point is actually another way of saying humidity.
The dew point indicates how much the temperature would have to drop in order for the air to reach maximum moisture saturation. It cannot be above the actual temperature, as the actual temperature if it is equal to the dew point is 100% saturation. Humidity is the same thing except on a percentage scale. As noted, if the dew point temperature is equal to the actual temperature, humidity is 100%. (they use 'dew point temperature' instead of '% humidity' to gauge moisture content, though there are two types of moisture in the air measurements, but, that is another story) How to figure the dew point is a mathematical procedure or formula, I did not actually look into that. Today, for example, the temperature is 89 degrees, but the felt temperature is 86, due to the dew point of 16 F with a 7% humidity. I think in generally arid parts of the world, dew point is much more significant than in wetter climbs. The indicator is better for finer variations, so a better indicator in dry zones.
Does that mean I know that all? No, but I do understand just a wee bit more than I did. Now, when I look at the weather listings and forecasts, I will have a much better understanding. As well, now I understand why it actually feels chilly today with the air on in the cave and why on many days it does not. I can learn and I try to learn. One... single... thing... at... a... time... The Lord knows, we are not always the fastest learners, but he did instill in us to do our best.
I now wonder if in the low dew point stretches that moisturizing might be more necessary? As well, contacts might be more irritating to wear and need more eye moisturizer? I will find these things out and learn more, if more by feel than necessarily book or weather monitoring. There are far too many independent and dependent variables in life to try to track even some small portion of the whole, except for very specific tasks (like reloading ammunition, outdoor activities, and such). Live and let sweat, I always say. Or, not.
Oh, and any and all clarifications or corrections are welcome. I am only stating what I understand with a few thoughts extending beyond what I have learned. I do this as much to pass on what I am getting as to be corrected.
You have it essentially correct.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I think in terms of dewpoint is that it is (as you correctly deduced) a more direct and meaningful measure of comfort in the desert, where air temperatures can range across a fifty degree span in the course of a day (and corresponding wild variations in relative humidity--since RH is a *function of* dewpoint and air temperature). It used to be up until a few years ago that the "monsoon season" down here was measured by X number of days of dewpoint over Y degrees. Above a certain dewpoint threshold, the thunderheads cannot help but form in the afternoons (barring the jet stream being overhead).
It is good to be geeky enough to do a little reading and a little deducting and come up with a plausible notion. Though too, I can always be that little (or huge) bit off. Some science actually works, at least as far as I need or use it.
ReplyDeleteI will be keeping my eye on that, now, and comparing it to feel. I suppose in time I will get a good sense of what to expect. My guess is that the cold weather hereabouts, in your neck of the desert, and all dry places have more to do with dew point (and wind as everywhere) as does heat.
Hmm, a new subject to begin tinkering with, now that I leave my cave more often than I stay in it. I cannot fully express how much more I love it out here.
I must be honest though. I will miss Iowa, or the Iowa I remember from my youth and what of it that is left remaining. Having farmers wave whether they knew you or not, kids who had fun, got a little muddy at the river or lake, catching catfish and bullheads and cooking them right there, and the simpler life that used to be the normal. Too bad the socialists are busy ruining the state. It does frustrate me.
The interesting thing about waving, once I get out of town, past San Manuel, down the hill to the river and turn the corner at the bottom, *then* the people coming in the opposite direction wave at each other. It's our tiny pocket of how it was yesteryear. Eventually I will learn who is who. Right now I wave because it is the custom.
ReplyDeleteOh another thing, you mentioned not yet looking into how dewpoint is determined. It is measured with a device called a psychrometer, which is essentially two thermometers mounted on a sling with one of the thermometer bulbs wrapped in a wet wick. The device is whaled around overhead to create a breeze on the bulb ends of the thermometers until the evaporative cooling off the wet bulb wicking drops the temperature close to the dewpoint. The two thermometer measurements are then plugged into a chart to calculate the "relative humidity".
ReplyDeleteOr you could just read the wet bulb temperature and have a close approximation of dewpoint.
I think they have do and don't wave zones here too. Any place in or near the "big city" of Logan is a no-wave zone. In this region, you might be considered a yokel, especially with the college here. Out a bit, say 15 minutes in any direction, but off the main roads, and it is wave country. Though I do get some waves and break my arm to try and wave back in time as it still throws me, I think mostly you need to be a local member.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I intend to become a local member. If school starts up or such, I will simply drive in. It took me that long to drive to school, even when it was in town, in Iowa. But I didn't even have but a few good neighbors in Iowa. Then again, you know what I mean. Or do you? I am not sure how Tucson is, neighbor and population wise.
They could call the psychrometer, simply, a manmeter. Made for men, by men, to do... well, something. Ha! That is too funny. Though mechanically sound, and it makes sense, it had to be a guy who invented that. Maybe even named it that as a poke in the eye to psychology, or well could have. Well, that is my story, and you know how I stick to things. Well, when they are in high heals and lipstick? Drats, used to anyway. I've been a good boy for a while. Won't even win me a prize, but it feels right. Maybe She will appreciate my effort, wherever and whoever She is.