Meteorology · Humidity — Dewpoint Depression

A small dewpoint depression (air temperature close to the dewpoint) indicates:

Explanation

When the air temperature and dewpoint are nearly equal (small depression), the air is near saturation — relative humidity is high and fog, mist, or low stratus can form, especially if the air cools further. A large depression indicates dry air and a lower chance of fog.

Authority: WMO; Bowditch (Pub. No. 9)

Practice the full Meteorology bank

Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2550 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.

Related Meteorology questions