The vapor pressure of water goes up with temperature, so there is a tendency to have less humidity (more water in the liquid state) in colder conditions. Of course, the atmosphere is such a massively non-equilibrium system that its hard to apply simple thermodynamic arguments. Deserts are dry with heat for the a similar reason with an opposite result, i.e., the water goes into the air and blows away. It depends a lot on how close you are to the water and how the jet stream brings moisture to you.
Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12/03/02 01:02PM >>> It was about 9 degrees Fahrenheit this morning and very clear out. It seems it is usually or often clear when very cold. Dumb question but is this some kind of rule: is it always/usually clearer when cold? And why? Is it because of the cold, or some other related factor which may be present when it is not cold or may sometimes not be present when it is cold)? Or is it all in my imagination? Thanks and forgive my ignorance... Rob _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus
