How does air temperature influence the amount of water vapor a parcel of air can hold?

Warmer air can hold more water vapor due to the increased kinetic energy of the air molecules at higher temperatures. As the temperature rises, the energy available to the water molecules also increases, allowing them to escape from liquid to gas (vapor) more readily. This allows warmer air to support a greater concentration of water vapor.

In contrast, as air cools, the kinetic energy of the molecules decreases, leading to a decreased capacity for water vapor. The saturation point, which is the maximum amount of water vapor the air can contain before condensation occurs, is elevated in warmer air and lowered in cooler air. Hence, the principle that warmer air can hold more water is supported by the physical laws governing gas behavior and humidity. This fundamental concept is key in understanding various meteorological phenomena, including cloud formation and weather patterns.