The perception of discomfort can vary from person to person, but in general, a lower heat with high humidity tends to feel more uncomfortable than a high but dry heat. Here's why:
When it's hot and humid, the high moisture content in the air prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently from your skin. Sweat is the body's natural cooling mechanism, as it evaporates, it cools the skin and helps regulate body temperature. However, in high humidity, the sweat cannot evaporate as effectively, which can make you feel hot, sticky, and uncomfortable.
On the other hand, in a high but dry heat, even though the temperature might be higher, the low humidity allows sweat to evaporate more efficiently. This evaporation helps cool down your body, providing a more effective cooling sensation and potentially making the heat more bearable.
That being said, personal preferences and tolerance to different climates can vary. Some individuals may find a dry heat more uncomfortable due to the intensity of the heat itself, while others may find high humidity more oppressive. Factors such as individual physiology, acclimation to certain climates, and personal preference can influence how someone perceives and tolerates different weather conditions.