Why is it that you can see steam from cars and sewers in the winter but not in the summer?

Question

steam from exhaust pipes, sewers, and from breathing.

Answer 1

The exhaust or the breath etc. is warm and contains water vapor and as it comes into contact with the cold air, the water vapor condenses. Steam also is seen only when a part of the steam condenses. Otherwise dry steam is invisible.

In summer, the temperature difference is less and condensation doesn't take place. But as mentioned, a steam pipe can emit steam at a higher temperature which on cooling leads to condensation and thus makes the steam visible.

Answer 2

It has to do with dew point, temperatures of two different air samples and the amount of moisture in those samples. Dew point is the temp that moisture in the air becomes visible. Steam, clouds, sweat, dew are all visible forms of moisture. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold and still not be seen. If you look closely at the exhaust pipe, you'll see that the steam coming out doesn't start to show until a few inches from the end of the pipe. The warm moist air meets the cool air and at some point (dew) it is cooled enough to be seen. Ask a pilot or a citrus grower about dew point and they will tell you why it's critical to them.

Answer 3

What you're seeing is the contrast of hot wind(exhaust, heat) and cold wind(winter). There is ALREADY warm wind in the summer time. Now to see it in the summer time you would have to have something like a very cold room, let's say the kitchen, and while Mommy's cooking you should see steam from the pots. But if the room is warm you might not see that much steam.

Answer 4

The heat created from the steam condenses in the cool air, causing some of the particles to become liquid, and therefore, visible

Answer 5

Water vapor condenses in cold weather

Answer 6

Its not acutal steam. When you exhale your seeign water vapor.

Answer 7

Warm hitting the cold.

Answer 8

as air gets warmer, it can hold a higher level of humidity without condensating.