Once a solid layer has formed at the top of the cauldron, the curds are cut then separated from the whey, pressed into a large mould and set to age in a high-humidity cellar.

BBC: Tracing fondue��s mysterious origins

Analysis in the 70s and 80s variously suggested that high pressure, high temperature and low humidity were associated with positive emotions - basically, nice weather seemed to put people in a good mood.

BBC: Does sunshine make us happier?

The assessment came with a warning: Operating procedures are available to maintain power in the unlikely event that a combination of severe conditions a power outage and delayed transmission projects occur at the same time as a prolonged heat wave with high humidity that keeps air conditioners running nearly non-stop.

WSJ: NE power supply helped by conservation, efficiency

The strength of the high-tech material allows airlines to raise cabin air pressure and increase humidity, which should make passengers more comfortable on long flights.

ECONOMIST: Cabin fever

While temperatures were down a bit Wednesday, high-based thunderstorms will be fed by rising air, wind and low humidity, he said.

CNN: Crews go on offensive against growing Colorado wildfire

Thick smoke rose from the fast-moving fire, which was being fueled by high winds and low humidity, Dunn said, adding he expects the same conditions Sunday.

CNN: Florida brush fire prompts evacuations

Playing in 102 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity at Stone Mountain, Agassi made light of the conditions to dispatch the Spaniard -- a two-time French Open champion -- in straight sets.

CNN: Golden moments: Agassi and Graf relive Olympic glory

In the meantime, Weather Channel has used a simpler measure, called "feels like, " to express temperature in a temperature-like number, taking into account wind chill at low temperatures and humidity at high temperatures.

WSJ: In the Forecast: New Ways to Measure the Temperature