Dew

What is Dew?

Dew forms when surfaces cool below the dew point temperature through radiative cooling. It is most common on clear, calm nights. In tropical climates, dew can be significant — in some semi-arid tropical regions it provides a meaningful fraction of the total moisture available to vegetation. Morning dew on motorbike seats and outdoor surfaces is a familiar daily sight across Southeast Asia.

Key points

• Water droplets that form on cool surfaces overnight when temperature drops to the dew point.
• Category: basic

Related terms

See also: dewfall is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.