The south side is hot and humid (5)

I believe the answer is:

steam

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'hot and humid' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'the south side' is the wordplay.
'the south' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'side' becomes 'team' (a side is a sporting team).
's'+'team'='STEAM'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steam that I've seen before include "Kettle emission" , "Like old radio" , "letter opener?" , "Type of power" , "Pre-digital" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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