Is it muggy or sticky in Iowa? Here's what to look for when you're checking the weather

Iowans are no strangers to warmer days that come with the sensation of feeling sticky.

But what’s the reason for it?

Here’s what to look for the next time you’re looking at the weather forecast.

What is humidity and relative humidity?

Humidity encompasses several terms, but it is a measure of the water vapor content in the air, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But when you’re trying to determine how muggy and humid a day is going to get, turn to the dew point.

Humidity can refer to the absolute humidity, or the actual amount of water vapor in the air. Then there’s relative humidity, which is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to how much can exist at a temperature, according to NOAA.

During warmer days, the air can hold more water vapor. When the temperatures decrease, the air can hold less water vapor, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Back to dew point.

The higher this is, the greater amount of moisture there is in the air, according to the National Weather Service. It “marks the temperature at which water vapor will turn into liquid water droplets,” NOAA said. The process, known as condensation, causes clouds to form and can lead to rain, snow or hail.

What humidity level is uncomfortable, or rather, what is a comfortable dew point?

Rather than focusing on the humidity, look at the dew point forecast to determine how comfortable days will be during the summer, according to NWS.

On a day when the dew point is less than or equal to 55, it’ll be “dry and comfortable.” Between 55 and 65, it’ll be “sticky with muggy evenings.” Greater than or equal to 65, there will be lots of moisture in the air and it becomes "oppressive.”

What is the dew point in Des Moines?

The dew point at the Des Moines International Airport was 49 degrees on Wednesday morning, according to NWS Des Moines. In Ames, the dew point is 46 degrees. In Iowa City, the dew point is 42 degrees, according to NWS.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What is humidity, dew point and when does it get uncomfortable in Iowa?