Wet-bulb temperature is measured using a thermometer with the bulb wrapped in cloth that is kept wet. As the water evaporates it cools the bulb below the ambient temperature. The wet-bulb temperature can be used together with the dry-bulb temperature to measure the humidity in a device known as a hygrometer.

The wet-bulb temperature can be a useful guide to human comfort since it takes into account the ambient temperature and the current humidity. The wet-bulb temperature is used in the calculation of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature.

See also

• Dewpoint

Measurement

atmospheric thermodynamics