What is the effect of high humidity on temperature perception?

High humidity significantly affects temperature perception, primarily making temperatures feel hotter than they actually are. This phenomenon occurs because high humidity decreases the effectiveness of sweat evaporation, which is the body's natural cooling mechanism. When sweat cannot evaporate efficiently, the body's ability to cool down is compromised, leading to an increased discomfort and sensation of heat.

As a result, on humid days, individuals may feel much warmer than the actual air temperature suggests, which can impact both comfort levels and health, particularly during physical activities. The body perceives the humidity level as increasing the heat load, hence the feeling of being hotter under high humidity conditions.