How is "humidity" defined in meteorological terms?

Humidity in meteorological terms refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. This is a crucial aspect of weather and climate because water vapor plays a significant role in the formation of clouds and precipitation, as well as influencing temperature and pressure. Various measurements related to humidity, like absolute humidity (the mass of water vapor in a given volume of air) and relative humidity (the percentage of water vapor present relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature), provide insights into atmospheric conditions.

Understanding humidity is vital for predicting weather patterns, such as storms and heat waves, as it directly affects how comfortable or uncomfortable the air feels to us. It is a fundamental concept that meteorologists use to analyze and interpret weather data accurately.