Humidity can often be a tricky thing to measure, understand and control Most simply, humidity is the amount of moisture in the air, which can have a huge impact on comfort, health and lifestyle. Humidity is an important factor in the climate of any given region, and can even affect the length of the day.
Humidity is typically measured as a percentage relative to the maximum amount of water vapor that air at a given temperature could hold. This is called the "relative humidity," and when the air is saturated (or 100 percent humidity) it is referred to as "absolute humidity". Air with a relative humidity of over 60 percent is considered uncomfortable, and air with a relative humidity of 70 percent or more can cause condensation and buildup of mold and mildew.
Humidity levels can have a substantial effect on how people feel while outdoors, and can even be an issue indoors. High humidity levels can make it difficult to breathe, cause discomfort and can even lead to an increased risk of heat-related illness. In quality of life terms, higher humidity levels can pose a real challenge, as it feels difficult to stay cool and the air can feel heavy and oppressive.
The five best examples of humid places tend to be located in tropical climates and near bodies of water.
1. The Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon rainforest is one of the most humid places on earth, with an average relative humidity of around 85 percent. This immense rainforest is located in South America, and spans across nine different countries. The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world, and its dense foliage and lush vegetation create extremely moist air.
2. The Florida Everglades: The Florida Everglades is one of the most iconic wetlands in the United States. This humid subtropical ecosystem contains a unique mix of tropical and temperate plants, and rarely experiences temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. With an average relative humidity of 80 percent, the Everglades are a notoriously humid place.
3. The Congo Basin: The Congo Basin consists of more than 500 million acres of tropical rainforest, spanning countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic. It’s among the most humid places in the world, with relative humidity often reaching 90 percent.
4. New Orleans: New Orleans is one of the most humid cities in the United States, with an average relative humidity of around 68 percent. This vibrant city is located on the Mississippi River, and its proximity to this body of water contributes to its high humidity levels.
5. Manila: Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is another famously humid city. Manila’s high humidity levels are caused by its tropical climate, and it’s not unusual for relative humidity to exceed 85 percent in the summer months.