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Use this wet bulb temperature calculator, wet bulb temperature, wet bulb, WBGT calculator, wet-bulb temperature calculator for quick, clear estimates. Try a tiny example to see the impact of each input.
Q: What is wet bulb temperature?
Wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporative cooling of a wetted surface exposed to the air. It is measured by a thermometer with its bulb covered in a water-soaked cloth over which air is passed. It indicates how much moisture the air can hold and is a key factor in assessing heat stress.
How is wet bulb temperature different from dry bulb temperature?
Dry bulb temperature is the ambient air temperature measured by a standard thermometer, indicating the sensible heat of the air. Wet bulb temperature, on the other hand, measures the temperature after evaporative cooling, reflecting both the air temperature and its humidity. The difference between the two indicates the relative humidity; a larger difference means lower humidity and more evaporative cooling potential.
Why is wet bulb temperature important?
Wet bulb temperature is important because it provides a more accurate measure of heat stress on the human body than dry bulb temperature alone, especially in humid conditions. It is a critical component of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which is widely used to assess environmental conditions for outdoor work and sports to prevent heat-related illnesses.
How does humidity affect wet bulb temperature?
Humidity directly affects wet bulb temperature. In dry air, more water evaporates from the wetted thermometer bulb, leading to a greater cooling effect and thus a lower wet bulb temperature compared to the dry bulb temperature. As humidity increases, less water can evaporate, reducing the cooling effect, and causing the wet bulb temperature to rise closer to the dry bulb temperature. When the air is saturated (100% humidity), the wet bulb temperature will be equal to the dry bulb temperature.