So why does a 25C day that is overcast with clouds feel so much hotter than a 35C bluesky blazing sun day?
2006-07-22 02:19:26 · 6 answers · asked by Jay 3 in Environment
There are two effects that cloud cover causes. During the day the presence of clouds signals higher relative humidity and that is responsible for the the feeling that it is hotter. At night clouds reflect heat radiated from the ground back down to earth, which actually will keep the temperature higher, and increased humidity will make the air feel warmer.
High humidity makes you feel warmer because it suppresses evaporation of moisture from your skin, which is our primary cooling mechanism in hot weather. The effect works at all temperatures.
Our body's sense of temperature is not like a thermometer, which some how measures the temperature telling us that our surroundings are hot or cold. Rather we are sensing the flow of heat into and out of our bodies. Our bodies normally manufacture some heat and so it is normal for heat to be continuously flowing out of our bodies. When that heat flow balances our internal generation we feel comfortable. If the air temperature or humidity rises the heat flow out will be less making us feel hotter. Also if the surroundings do not change but if we exercise, which raises the heat generation in our bodies again the heat flow balance is off making us feel hot.
In the case of a clear 35C day our body may be able to loose heat easier than on a 25C cloudy humid day and so surprisingly the 35C day can feel cooler.
2006-07-22 03:40:07 · answer #1 · answered by Engineer 6 · 15⤊ 4⤋
Clouds raise the humidity level (and water in the air traps heat) while stopping the heat on the ground from escaping into the atmosphere. It's basically the same as lying in the sun in a semi transparent duvet or in a cheap tent.
2006-07-22 02:28:07 · answer #2 · answered by Cameron H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humidity. At least, that's the case here in Texas.
If you've got a higher humidity level, it makes the heat index rise anywhere from one to ten degrees.
2006-07-22 02:26:24 · answer #3 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because clouds act as insulation & keep the heat in. That's why clear nights can be soooooo cold after a hot clear day.
2006-07-22 02:23:52 · answer #4 · answered by emmabell22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It anit da heat its da humidity
2006-07-22 02:33:04 · answer #5 · answered by gunnersurveyor 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
humidity
2006-07-22 02:22:49 · answer #6 · answered by christyxy777777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋