Air temperature measurement
Air temperature measurement is a key measurement alongside relative humidity. This is because the 'relative' aspect is effectively 'relative to temperature' (how saturated the gas is at its current temperature).
For a given air sample, a rise in temperature means a fall in relative humidity - at a humidity of 50 %rh a temperature rise from 20 °C to 21 °C will cause relative humidity to fall by about 3 %rh.
Thermometers are integral in most relative humidity probes. Alternatively temperature is measured alongside using resistance thermometers, thermocouples or thermistors.
Heat or humidity?
Thermal comfort levels are a combination of temperature and humidity and moisture content of the air, as well as air movement.
High temperatures make the body perspire. If relative humidity is high, less perspiration can evaporate from our bodies into the air and the body cannot cool down as effectively.
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