What does absolute humidity measure?

Absolute humidity measures the actual amount of water vapor present in a given volume of air. It is defined as the mass of water vapor divided by the volume of the air in which it resides, typically expressed in grams of water vapor per cubic meter of air (g/m³). This measurement provides a direct indication of how much moisture is in the air, regardless of temperature or pressure, distinguishing it from relative humidity and other related measurements.

Understanding absolute humidity is crucial in various scientific fields, including meteorology, because it helps quantify the water vapor content effectively, allowing further calculations and assessments regarding weather patterns, air quality, and comfort levels. This contrasts with other measures of humidity that focus on saturation levels or ratios rather than the absolute quantity of water vapor in the air.