Humidity and temperature are common terms used about climatic and weather conditions. You may even have used the terms several times. And we know that temperature affects humidity. While the two concepts are closely related, do they have differences? This article outlines the differences between humidity and temperature while also stating the differences and any similarities between the two.
What is Humidity?
Also referred to as absolute humidity, this is the amount of water or moisture that is present in the air in the form of water vapour. It is measured in mass or volume; it depends on the annual season as well as the atmosphere of the location.
Humidity is lower in dry areas and higher in bodies that are near rainforests and oceans. It is also high in the winter and low in the dry seasons such as summer. Sometimes, humidity can increase above the normal limits, causing droplets commonly known as fog. Humidity is also used as a determinant for the likelihood of precipitation, dew or fog.
What is Temperature?
This is a physical quantity that expresses climatic conditions, whether cold or hot. It is present in all matter and is the source of heat when bodies come into contact with each other. Measured with thermometers, temperatures use temperature scales in thermometers to give reference points. The most common measurement points are the Celsius scale, Fahrenheit scale and Kelvin scale.
The lowest temperature (theoretical) is absolute zero where no more thermal energy can be derived. Temperature plays a vital role in all scientific fields as well as all aspects of human, animal and plant life.
The higher the temperature, the hotter it becomes. For instance, summers are hotter than winter since the temperatures get higher in the summer.
Similarities between Humidity and Temperature
- Both play an important role in the daily weather
Differences between Humidity and Temperature
Definition
Humidity refers to the amount of water or moisture that is present in the air in the form of water vapour. On the other hand, temperature refers to a physical quantity that expresses climatic conditions, whether cold or hot.
Measure
While humidity is measured in mass or volume, temperature is measured using the Celsius scale, Fahrenheit scale and Kelvin scale.
Humidity vs. Temperature: Comparison Table
Summary of Humidity and Temperature
Humidity refers to the amount of water or moisture that is present in the air in the form of water vapour. It is measured in mass or volume. On the other hand, temperature refers to a physical quantity that expresses climatic conditions, whether cold or hot. It is measured using the Celsius scale, Fahrenheit scale and Kelvin scale.