Wet Bulb Temperature

• The lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporating water into the air

• Note: the wet bulb temperature will always be less than or equal to the temperature

• Example: If you are a runner:

  • T = 90°F, RH = 90% => high wet-bulb temp.

  • T = 90°F, RH = 10% => low wet-bulb temp.

• feel more comfortable when wet-bulb temperature is low

• Wet-bulb temperature is related to the heat index -->>

QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT:

1.  On a warm, muggy day, the air is described as "close". What are several plausible explanations for this expression?

2.  Why are evaporative coolers used in Arizona, Nevada, and California, but not in Florida, Georgia, or Indiana?