Humidity in Seattle (Index: live in, bike, areas)

[OHtoCT]

Is humidity a regular part of the weather in Seattle? I live in Ohio and it's been getting worse here lately with the humidity in the 70 to 80 percent range, it's like riding a bike through a hot tub (yes, it's a silly picture...go ahead and laugh for a minute) But seriously, is Seattle as bad as Columbus? I'm a young lady and having my scalp sweat isn't exactly lovely.

[scirocco22]

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about humidity in western Washington. Sure, obviously you'll see humidity in Seattle in the 90 to 100% range. However, that's when temperatures are mild.

When Seattle gets warmer temperatures, the relative humidity is rather low when compared with areas east of the Rockies. The marine influence is responsible for a continuous "dampness" in the area but since Seattle rarely gets "hot" temperatures, one rarely experiences the uncomfortable conditions of the mid-west, east coast, or especially the deep south. When the area does get those rare 90 degree days, the humidity is substantially lower than those areas but is substantially higher than the desert southwest under the same temperatures. That's why I'm always heard saying that I can tolerate temperatures in the 105-115 range when the humidity is less than 10%, than I can in Seattle when the temperatures are 85-95.

--'rocco

[AzDreamer]

There is something called "Heat Index" that calculates how nasty someplace feels when looking at the temperature and humidity. Here's a link to a US Heat Index Map, you'll see Seattle is nowhere near as bad as the midwest.

Heat Index Map for the United States

[LMB]

That's a great map, AZDreamer! I haven't seen that one before. Also click on Dew Points for another good visual of why it feels cooler up here with the same or higher humidity than Ohio, or even Florida, our former state. After experiencing summer FL dew points in the 70s for 15 years, this area feels practically arid!

Our neighbors are complaining about this chilly summer and we are positively loving it! I know, I know--give us a few years and we'll probably be complaining too!

Lynn

[pw72]

As a native Seattleite, and someone who has lived in humid climates, no, there is really no uncomfortable humidity in Seattle. In fact, the opposite may be true, the humidity during the winter wet season actually make many feel colder. I guess that could also be considered "uncomfortable" humidity!

However, there are usually two or three days days each summer that feel "muggy" in Seattle. It's all "relative" though. (sorry for the bad pun). What Seattleites might feel as "muggy", would be refreshing to someone from Memphis, or Tampa.

[bp090499]

I moved from Columbus, OH to Seattle 5 years ago so I understand the sort of humidity you are talking about. Seattle summers are extremely pleasant. The humidity is no where near that of a midwest summer.

[41Willys]

I love this thread!!

[VeronikaW]

I have to say, having lived in the midwest in junior high that the Seattle humidity is definitely not as bad, but having moved here recently from CA, it's very humid here compared to there.

V. =)

[41Willys]

Originally Posted by VeronikaW

I have to say, having lived in the midwest in junior high that the Seattle humidity is definitely not as bad, but having moved here recently from CA, it's very humid here compared to there.

V. =)

Where in CA ?

[VeronikaW]

Originally Posted by 41Willys

Where in CA ?

We just moved from San Diego in June, but I grew up in Orange County, and spent a few years in the Bay Area.

V. =)