Word Prompt – HUMIDITY – Martin Bodek

The next Word Prompt popped into my mailbox, and I did my usual: cleared my mind and prepared to free associate.

“Humid” triggered yet another memory of my camp days. We were situated in a valley. Hills on three sides, a swamp on the fourth, and a perfect breeding ground for humidity (and Guinness Record-sized mosquitoes) galore.

But what is humidity? Simple: the amount of water vapor in the air. We had lots of it. An administration member had a song he warbled over the PA on sweltering days, which went exactly like this:

"Hot and humid, hot and humid, everybody loves it when it's hot and humid, and your clothing sticks to you."

I know, catchy, right?

Why do I feel like I venture into Arnold Fine - I Remember When territory when I'm assigned my word? Vehameivin yavin!

Guess where the highest humidity ever recorded on earth was? Saudi Arabia, correct. One fine day, 'twas 108°F with a dew point of 95°F, which equals a heat index of 176°F. You could almost boil an egg on your own skin.

The lowest? Next door in Iran! 115.7°F with a dew point of -27.8°F for a heat index of ahhhhhhhh, very nice.

And wouldn't you know it I was prompted for this on that day it was 100°F with a dew point of disgusting °F. I'd rather not remember when.