Cat Hair And The Weather

[mazzywoo]

Why, when we get cold, anti-cyclonic weather, does the cat-hair I sweep from the kitchen floor form ridges that stick together in rows? If the weather is mild and rainy, the cat-hair just billows around as I sweep it . It would be interesting to know why this happens. Or maybe I just need to get a life! I am wondering if it's caused by a rise in static electricity when there's a high pressure system.
I know it's a strange question to ask but maybe someone would know why this happens!
Best wishes
Maz

[mibn2cweus]

This has to do with the moisture content of the air. Moisture in the air reduces the buildup and promotes the discharge of accumulated static charge.
Colder air has less ability to retain moisture as the lower thermal energy allows condensation to take place more readily. Heating cold dry air further reduces the relative humidity of the air increasing its ability to draw moisture from its surroundings.

Charges tend to seek equilibrium. One way to achieve this equilibrium is to align the charges in an orderly equal distribution . . . like this -
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&;ion=1&espv=2&;ie=UTF-8#q=static+hair+images

[wildwood]

There is nothing to say after mibs has been here. :-)

Although I feel that no one should never be apprehensive about asking questions.