What is "dew point" a measure of?

Dew point is a measure of the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture. When the air cools to this temperature, it cannot hold all the moisture in vapor form, leading to condensation. This is an important concept in meteorology because dew point is an indicator of atmospheric moisture content. A higher dew point means more moisture in the air, which can lead to muggy conditions, while a lower dew point indicates drier air.

Understanding dew point is crucial for forecasting weather phenomena such as fog, precipitation, and humidity levels. It is distinct from other concepts like the formation of clouds or the onset of rain, which involve additional factors beyond just the point of saturation.