Question:
What is surface dew point temperature map and
why is it important?
Replies:
Kelsey,
The dew point temperature is the temperature at which
air becomes saturated with water vapor (and fog would form).
The surface dew point map shows the dew point temperature
at the various measurement sites on the Earth's surface.
The dew point map gives meteorologists a good idea of
where fog could form if the temperature were to decrease,
provides information on the amount of water in the
lower part of the atmosphere, tells them the likelihood of
evaporation of water from the surface, helps to determine how much
water vapor is available for producing convection and clouds
(and possibly thunderstorm activity), provides information for
judging fire danger (which is greater for low dew point
temperatures; in other words, dry conditions), etc.
David R. Cook
Climate Research Section
Environmental Science Division
Argonne National Laboratory
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