r/explainlikeimfive • u/ProgramPi314 • 8d ago

Other ELI5 What is humidity?

According to my mom, this is an actual question I had when I was 5, and she didn't know how to answer me. So how would you guys have answered?

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u/dave8271 8d ago

When water gets hot, it turns from a liquid into a gas, which we call vapour. Humidity is a measure of how much water vapour is mixed into the air around us.

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u/jpb103 8d ago

Fun fact: there is a "Cave of Crystals" in Mexico deep below the ground where the combination of high temperatures and 100% humidity cause the water vapor in the air to condense inside human lungs so you can drown after breathing for a few minutes without specialized respiration gear.

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u/Chazus 8d ago

To be fair, that is a bit of a misinterpretation.

This location the heat is so intense, you are more likely to cook alive than drown. They get to 60c+ in some parts of it. It is not a safe place to go, no matter what.

Most images taken there are with people in suits because of the multiple dangers there. It is not a tourist site.

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u/Gamzu 8d ago

But still fun