Does Asheville get humid in the summer? (Raleigh, Chapel Hill: upper-class, real estate)

[firsttimeowner]

I have read that Raleigh is very hot and humid in the summer and was wondering if Asheville is as well? Also do many people have pools or are there heated public pools to swim? Do the festivals I see advertised happen all year long or just in the summer?



Thanks for the info


Debbie

[OMGosh Josh]

Yes, it can get very humid. So far, this summer hasn't really been that bad, but at times it can get pretty bad.

Bele Chere is the largest and most well-known festival in town. It's three days at the end of July.

There are other festivals and whatnot throughout the year in various places in and around town, but none the size of Bele Chere.

And this isn't really the kind of place where everybody has pools. My neighbor has one, but it's kinda rare, really. Most people do not have their own pool here, just because it's not hot year round and the terrain doesn't always lend itself well to a pool.

But of course there are public pools. Also, the rivers and lakes are pretty cold, even in the summer, so that's a good way to cool off.

[Cofga]

Heck, the whole southeast gets humid in the summer--its called the Bermuda high and it pumps moisture in off the Atlantic Ocean. On average the afternoon humidity in Asheville is 60-62% whereas in Panama City Fl it runs around 65-69%. Compare that to Pigeon Forge down in the valley at 59-61%--not a lot of difference once you get away from the coast. I think you will find it a lot cooler up there in the mountains though. Bring lots of money--keep Asheville green!

[Trusses]

Hey firsttimeowner,

It does get humid in Asheville, but it doesnt last long, nor is it what I would consider "oppressive," especially as a FL native.

[Asheville Native]

As compared to what?

Compared to AZ; yes, FL; no

[willbo1]

My parents are over in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh area and I feel a significant difference in the humidity there. That's not to say that the Asheville area doesn't get it's days, but I find it much more comfortable.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Relative humidity is just that; relative. It is measured as a ratio based on dew point temperature and air temperature.

The closer the air temperature is to the dew point temperature, the higher the relative humidity. So if the air temperature drops to the dew point over night, the air is completely saturated with water vapor and the relative humidity is 100%.

The measurement can sometimes be used in the wrong context. For example, the low tonight in Charleston, S.C. is supposed to be 75 degrees. The low in Asheville will be 61. Assuming the air temperature drops to the dew point in both cities over night, the relative humidity will be 100% in both cities tomorrow morning. Obviously it will feel much cooler and "less humid" in Asheville at 61, even though the relative humidity is 100% in both places.

It is also important to consider that cooler air physically can not hold as much water vapor as warmer air (remember, Antarctica is the driest continent on the planet). As the temperature increases, the amount of moisture the air can hold increases exponentially. This is why we have the heat index that calculates air temperature and relative humidity together to estimate what the temperature "feels like."

For example, if the air temperature is 80 degrees, the difference between 40% and 100% relative humidity will give a heat index of 80 degrees and 87 degrees, respectively.

If the air temperature only goes up to 82 degrees, the difference between 40% and 100% relative humidity will give a heat index of 81 (not a typo) and 95 degrees, respectively.

NOAA'S National Weather Service Heat Index

So, in short, yes, it gets humid in Asheville. BUT, the lower air temperatures in Asheville due to a higher elevation gives a perceived heat index lower than surrounding areas with higher temperatures. This makes it "feel" less humid, even though the relative humidity percentage remains consistent across the region.

[wildwoodflower]

how about comparecd to charleston?

[firsttimeowner]

wow thanks for all the great responses.

Bring lots of money--keep Asheville green!.....I found that statement very funny and I think maybe very true.

ok as compaired to San Diego where I live now.............I guess everywhere is more humid except the desert. But I lived in Boston and New York before. I can deal with humidity for a short time if its worth it the rest of the time. I guess thats the real issue. Where is it worth moving to year round. Even here right now the heat is extreme for a few weeks. But I know its short term and worth it the rest of the year. I just didnt know that all of the east coast wes as humid as it is all summer and I really didnt know that the mountains there would be humid. I wasnt sure how elevation and such influenced the humidity in that region. I think for me the colder weather in winter and price of homes there will be more the deciding factor. Do most of the people who relocate there have lots of cash? Is it a rich area? Do those with less money live in tiny homes or rent?


Thanks
Debbie

[pslamp32]

Originally Posted by firsttimeowner

Do most of the people who relocate there have lots of cash? Is it a rich area? Do those with less money live in tiny homes or rent?


Thanks
Debbie

Overall I'd say it is not a 'rich' area. There are plenty of wealthy people but it's not like hanging out in Palm Beach or Beverly Hills. Many people complain about the real estate prices but I have found them quite fair as I'm sure you will too coming from California. Heck I have several friends who lived in Cali who sold before the bubble burst and bought beautiful houses in upper-class areas of Asheville with cash after only a year or two of appreciated equity! Timing is everything I guess. Rents and housing are relatively affordable if you can get a decent paying job which is what most people complain about.