Static electricity increases in winter due to drier air, which prevents charges from dissipating easily on your body and clothing.
Dry Air's Role
Cold winter air holds less moisture, and indoor heating further reduces humidity, allowing static charges to build up from friction like walking on carpets. Moisture in humid air acts as a conductor to balance these charges, but low humidity traps them.
Clothing and Friction
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and wool, common in winter layers, generate more static through rubbing against skin or each other. Shuffling feet in shoes on rugs adds to the charge imbalance on your body.
Prevention Tips
- Use a humidifier to raise indoor moisture levels.
- Wear natural fibers like cotton to reduce friction.
- Touch grounded metal objects first to discharge safely.