how humid is New York City during autumn and winter?

Question

I'm wondering whether I should buy a humidifier - I check weather.com and it'll report that the dew point is, for example, 43 degrees F and that the corresponding humidity is 67%. 67% seems pretty high (compared to an arid, desert environment). Is 67% relative? what is this a measure of exactly? Is there a better way to find out how much moisture is in the air? Thanks

Answer 1

All reported humidity is relative. The 67 percent means that the water content in air, in terms of partial pressure, is 2/3 of that of saturated air at the reported temperature. You can obtain a vapor pressure table for water and check it out, but most people don't have the foggiest notion of how to do this. The dew point is the temp at which ambient air, if cooled, would become saturated. Generally dew points below 40 F can cause very dry air at room temperature. Since New York temperatures are often below 40 F in the winter, a humidifier would be advised if dry air bothers you.

Answer 2

it has not been humid , but you should buy a humidifier. it keeps the house dry or basement in summer.