How does relative humidity change with air temperature?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.

As air temperature decreases, the capacity of air to hold water vapor also decreases. Consequently, if the amount of moisture in the air remains constant while the temperature drops, the relative humidity will increase, potentially reaching 100% if the air cools enough to reach saturation. This interplay between air temperature and moisture capacity is a fundamental concept in understanding how weather patterns develop and how humidity is perceived in the atmosphere.

Therefore, the correct understanding is that relative humidity increases with a decrease in temperature, demonstrating how these two factors interact in meteorological phenomena.

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