What type of humidity refers to the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold at a given temperature?

The concept that describes the maximum amount of water vapor that air can hold at a specific temperature is relative humidity. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage and indicates how close the air is to being saturated with moisture at that temperature. When the relative humidity is at 100%, the air is fully saturated, and it cannot hold any more water vapor, which often leads to the formation of dew or precipitation.

Absolute humidity, on the other hand, refers to the actual amount of water vapor present in a given volume of air, usually expressed in grams of water per cubic meter of air. Specific humidity measures the mass of water vapor per unit mass of air, providing an understanding of the moisture content in the atmosphere without reliance on temperature. Mixed humidity is not a standard term used in meteorology.

Understanding relative humidity is particularly important because it not only reflects the current moisture content but also informs how comfortable or uncomfortable the air may feel to humans based on temperature and humidity levels.