The water in vapor form in the atmosphere is better known as humidity. It can be measured using a sling psychrometer. At a given temperature, there is a maximum amount of humidity that can exist in the air. If the air is holding this maximum amount it is saturated. Some of the humidity will begin to condense on solid surfaces as dew or frost or small droplets in the atmosphere to form clouds.
Liquid precipitation is measured with a rain gauge.
Changes in the temperature of the atmosphere play a key role in determining the rate of evaporation and condensation within the water cycle. Describe the movement of water through the water cycle. Describe how clouds form. Explain relative humidity and demonstrate how to measure it. Compare conditions that allow different forms of precipitation to form.