What does dew point depression measure?

Dew point depression measures the difference between the air temperature and the dew point temperature. This important meteorological concept helps indicate how close the air is to saturation with moisture. When the air temperature is significantly higher than the dew point, the dew point depression is large, suggesting low humidity and indicating that the air can hold more moisture before it becomes saturated and condensation occurs.

Conversely, if the dew point temperature is close to the air temperature, the dew point depression is small, which indicates that the air is nearly saturated. This measurement is crucial for forecasting weather conditions, as it helps meteorologists assess visibility, cloud formation, and potential precipitation. Understanding dew point depression provides valuable insights into atmospheric moisture levels and can significantly aid in weather prediction and analysis.