Humitats

Humitats, in meteorology, refers to the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere. In Catalan, humitat is the singular term and humitats the plural; the concept encompasses several related measures used to describe how moist the air is. Humidity interacts with temperature to influence weather, climate, and human comfort, as well as various industrial and ecological processes.

The most common measures are relative humidity, absolute humidity, and specific humidity. Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at the current temperature. Absolute humidity is the mass of water vapor per volume of air, typically expressed in grams per cubic meter. Specific humidity is the mass of water vapor divided by the total mass of moist air, often expressed in kilograms of vapor per kilogram of moist air. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation occurs. Psychrometrics studies the relationships among these properties using charts and equations.

Measurement and observation rely on instruments such as hygrometers and psychrometers (which use dry and wet bulb temperatures), as well as dew point meters. Data are collected at weather stations, airports, and through satellites, forming the basis for forecasts, climate studies, and engineering design.

Applications span weather prediction, climate research, building ventilation and air-conditioning, agriculture, and storage of perishable goods. Humidity levels affect comfort, health, mold growth, corrosion, and energy use, making accurate assessment and control essential in both natural and built environments.