What is dew point?

Dew point is defined as the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to the formation of dew. This saturation occurs when the air can no longer hold all the water vapor present, causing condensation when the air cools to this specific temperature. It is a key indicator of humidity and gives insight into the amount of moisture in the air; the higher the dew point, the more humid the air feels.

Understanding dew point is essential in meteorology because it helps predict weather patterns, comfort levels, and potential for cloud formation and precipitation. For example, a dew point above 60°F typically indicates a humid environment, which can lead to discomfort, while a dew point below freezing signifies low humidity and drier air conditions.

Other options look at different temperature phenomena. The boiling point of water refers to the temperature at which water transitions from liquid to gas under standard atmospheric pressure, while the temperature at which rain begins to fall is not specifically defined as dew point. Additionally, while cloud formation might seem related to dew point, it is more complex and often involves a combination of factors including temperature and pressure, rather than just the temperature for air to condense into clouds.