Context:
People in India exposed to extreme levels of humid heat during monsoons increased by at least 67 crores over the period 1951-2020, a research has found.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Dimensions of the Article:
- Humid Heat
- Dry Heat
Humid Heat
Humid heat occurs when there are high temperatures combined with elevated levels of moisture in the air.
- Mechanism: Sweat does not evaporate efficiently, making it difficult for the body to cool down naturally.
- Heat Index: This is the perceived temperature combining actual air temperature with relative humidity, often making it feel hotter than the thermometer indicates.
- Effects:
- Dampness and stickiness are common, leading to rapid sweating outdoors.
- Contributes to feelings of fatigue and low energy.
- Can lead to hyperthermia, causing dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and potentially heat stroke.
Dry Heat
Dry heat is characterized by low humidity levels.
- Occurrence: Typically found in arid desert climates with minimal precipitation.
- Advantages: Sweat evaporates quickly off the skin, providing immediate relief from the heat.
- Disadvantages: Rapid evaporation can lead to faster dehydration.
- Additional Considerations: Dry air can cause discomfort such as dry mouth due to rapid evaporation of moisture from saliva and breath.
-Source: Times of India
