What is the dew point and why does it matter?
Quick Answer: The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes fully saturated with moisture, causing water vapor to condense into dew. It matters because it tells you how humid the air feels and helps predict fog, frost, or discomfort from humidity.
The dew point reflects the actual amount of moisture in the air, not just relative humidity. When the temperature drops to the dew point, moisture starts to form on surfaces. This is why you see dew on grass in the morning or fog in the air.
Knowing the dew point helps you understand how sticky or dry the air feels. A higher dew point means more moisture, which can make hot days feel hotter and uncomfortable. It also plays a role in weather forecasting, like predicting when frost or fog might appear.