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Book 7, Question 18 · Video

Why Do Some Days Feel Sticky Before It Rains?

Video · 2:01 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 7

Before many storms, the air is full of water vapor, so the humidity is high. When the air is that damp, your sweat has a hard time drying off. That leftover moisture on your skin i

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do some days feel sticky before it rains?

The Big Idea

Before many storms, the air is full of water vapor, so the humidity is high. When the air is that damp, your sweat has a hard time drying off. That leftover moisture on your skin is why the day feels sticky.

The Air Fills With Vapor

Step one: the air fills with vapor. Warm weather lifts lots of water into the air, from oceans, lakes, plants, and soil. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and ahead of a storm, it is high.

Sweat Can't Dry

Step two: sweat cannot dry. Your body sweats to cool you down, and that works when sweat evaporates. But when the air is already full of vapor, sweat evaporates slowly.

You Feel Sticky

Step three: you feel sticky. The sweat stays on your skin and clothes, so you feel warm, damp, and sticky. It also feels hotter than the thermometer says, because your body cannot cool off well.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a sticky day! Water vapor is the invisible moisture in the air. Sweat is your body's way of cooling off. And the sticky feeling shows up when that sweat cannot dry.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Sticky often means there is storm fuel nearby, because warm, moist air helps thunderstorms grow. Humidity is measured as a percentage, and 100 percent means the air is totally full. Hot and humid days can be hard on your body, so drink plenty of water and rest in the shade. Tell a grown-up if you feel dizzy or very tired.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! On a sticky day, ask a grown-up to check a weather app. Find the humidity percent. Compare it with a dry, comfortable day. Then notice how your skin feels on each one.

Outro

A sticky day is your body telling you a storm might be near. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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