relative humidity

noun

: the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

Examples of relative humidity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To create a suitable indoor environment, however, constant use of a humidifier will be necessary since relative humidity around the plant must be at least 50% at all times and the relative humidity in our residences fluctuates between 30 and 50%. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024 For the Smokehouse Creek fire to grow so big so quickly, three weather conditions had to align: high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds, said John Nielsen-Gammon, the Texas state climatologist and a professor of atmospheric science at Texas A&M University. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 In the afternoon, the relative humidity will drop below 30%, leading to slightly elevated fire weather concerns. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024 Low relative humidity is combining with high winds to create an extreme fire weather threat across the western half of the Southern and Central Plains – the highest risk level for fire weather. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024 The Weather Service office in Blacksburg, Va., said that despite diminishing winds Thursday, the combination of low relative humidity, northwesterly winds and dry fuels would again make for ideal fire weather across southwestern Virginia and southeastern West Virginia through the evening. Remy Tumin, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The minimum relative humidity will also remain at about 10 to 15%, the service said, a combination of factors that makes wildfire outbreaks all the more likely. Li Cohen, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024 Because of well above normal temperatures and low relative humidity and strong gusty winds, parts of the region are under a red flag warning, meaning that any fires that start could spread quickly and be difficult to control. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2024 The relative humidity in this region has been decreasing as well, Dr. Nielsen-Gammon said. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relative humidity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relative humidity was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near relative humidity

Cite this Entry

“Relative humidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relative%20humidity. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

relative humidity

noun
: the amount of water vapor actually present in the air compared to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

Medical Definition

relative humidity

noun
: the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature compare absolute humidity

More from Merriam-Webster on relative humidity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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