Which temperature is typically associated with measuring humidity effects on human comfort?

The heat stress equivalent temperature is particularly relevant for evaluating how humidity impacts human comfort because it takes into account both the dry-bulb temperature and the effect of humidity on how hot we feel. This composite measure incorporates factors such as temperature and humidity to reflect the perceived temperature, commonly referred to as the "apparent temperature," which can significantly influence comfort levels.

As humidity levels increase, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating becomes less effective, leading to an increased sensation of heat. The heat stress equivalent temperature provides a more comprehensive understanding of comfort levels in hot and humid conditions as it effectively integrates the physiological responses of the human body to the ambient environment.

In contrast, while dry-bulb temperature is an essential measure of the air temperature, it does not provide insights into how that temperature feels in relation to humidity. Dew point temperature gives information about the moisture content in the air but is also not a direct measure of comfort. Relative humidity, although indicating how saturated the air is with water vapor, does not directly account for temperature when evaluating comfort, making heat stress equivalent temperature the most suitable choice when discussing human comfort related to humidity effects.