MUGGY DAYS
There are certain days, more noticeable in summer than at other times, when the air is heavily laden with water vapor; and there is little or no cooling of the body due to evaporation. We perspire freely but as the sweat does not evaporate, there is a constantly increasing amount of water on the skin.
Fig. 15. Blue Hill Observatory During Ice Storm, November 29-30, 1922
It is not altogether a question of temperature, for another day may have as high or even higher temperature. It is essentially a matter of ventilation. On muggy days we are somewhat in the condition of the unfortunate prisoners in the Black Hole at Calcutta. They did not die by poisoning, as has generally been accepted, that is, lack of sufficient oxygen and an excess of carbon dioxide; but because they were unable to keep the skin sufficiently cool. There was no ventilation; no movement of the air and the body became over-heated and exhaustion followed. No matter how much water there may be on the skin if the surrounding space is saturated, one feels oppressed. A vigorous fanning of the air helps evaporation and cools us. That is why a brisk northwest wind routs a muggy condition.
CASTILIAN DAYS
John Hay wrote of such days spent in Spain. We who live in a land where the winds are more boisterous, occasionally experience what we call a perfect day. Such days have easterly winds of two metres per second or less than five miles an hour. The temperature is midway between freezing and normal body temperature or about 70° F. The relative humidity is approximately 75% and the absolute humidity 12 grams per cubic metre. The table on page 72 explains the paucity of perfect days. The gusty, boisterous winds, Skiron and Zephyros, blow too frequently.