What are the causes of `electrification` when touching objects during easterly winds?

Arab Weather - During this period, and specifically with the onset of autumn and the increase in weather fluctuations, the Kingdom was affected by the rush of dry, varying intensity eastern winds, which led to an increase in the feeling of cold and the emergence of a common phenomenon known as "electrification", which is the transmission of static electricity between individuals or when touching physical objects such as cars or household items.

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How do easterly winds cause electrification?

East winds play a major role in the spread of the phenomenon of "electrification" or what is known as the transfer of static electricity. When these winds blow, the atmosphere is dry and the humidity in the air is very low. This dryness contributes to the accumulation of electrical charges on surfaces and objects, which increases the possibility of electrical discharge when touching a physical object or shaking hands with others.

Under these conditions, you can notice a small electrical spark when you touch a metal object or even when you shake hands with another person, which is colloquially called "electrification."

Scientific explanation of the phenomenon of electrification

The phenomenon of "electrification" or the transfer of static electricity can be scientifically explained by the process of transfer of different ions (positive and negative) towards each other. In dry climates, the air is almost free of water vapor, which leads to the accumulation of electrical charges on surfaces and objects.

However, in humid climates, the air contains a large percentage of water vapor, which prevents these charges from accumulating. Instead of the electrical discharge occurring between people or objects, the discharge occurs via water droplets in the air, thus reducing the feeling of electrification.

How can electrocution be reduced or avoided?

If you are experiencing discomfort due to this phenomenon, here are some tips that can help reduce it:

1. Wear cotton clothes instead of wool: Wool clothes tend to collect electrical charges, while cotton clothes help reduce this accumulation.
2. Wear leather shoes instead of rubber shoes: Leather shoes help reduce the build-up of electrical charges compared to those made of rubber.
3. Touching metal objects regularly: If the electrocution phenomenon persists in an annoying way, it is recommended to touch metal objects frequently to discharge the electric charges in small batches, which reduces the formation of annoying electric sparks.
4. Use a metal key: It is advisable to keep a metal key to use before touching any other items as touching the metal key first helps to gradually discharge the electrical charge, reducing the sudden spark feeling when touching objects.

The phenomenon of "electrification" is nothing but a natural result of dry weather conditions, such as those caused by easterly winds. Although this phenomenon may be annoying, following some precautions such as wearing cotton clothes, leather shoes, and contact with metals can help mitigate its effect.

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