The temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor is known as the ____________.

The temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor is known as the dew point. This term is fundamental in meteorology because it indicates the point at which air can no longer hold additional moisture, leading to condensation. When the temperature of the air cools to the dew point, water vapor condenses into liquid water in the form of dew, fog, or clouds.

Understanding dew point is crucial for predicting weather patterns. A high dew point indicates a lot of moisture in the air, which can lead to muggy conditions and higher chances of precipitation. Conversely, a low dew point suggests drier air, which often corresponds with clearer skies and less humidity.

The other options describe different weather-related concepts. The heat index measures the perceived temperature, incorporating humidity levels to indicate how hot it feels to the human body. Relative humidity is a measure of the current amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage. Temperature inversion refers to a meteorological condition where a layer of warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, which can affect weather and air quality. Each of these plays a significant role in understanding meteorology but does not define the temperature at which air is saturated with water vapor.