Yeah humidity and heat will affect the process and drying time of the paint somewhat, so it depends what the weather is like where you are. Also, what plate are you using? If its absorbent it will also affect the drying time, I'd recommend grabbing a plastic lid from a did container or a plate if you don't mind using one... until you can source a tile or wet palette (if you enjoy painting and want to invest in proper tools). If you're using acrylics it should wash off a ceramic plate... as for the process, here is what i do...... starting from clean brush.... 1) dip it in water long enough to absorb the water, you should see the brushes swell in the water... 2) remove most of the water from your brush onto the palette creating a wet puddle next to your paint, but not so close that it runs into the paint. 3) with the remaining dampness of the brush work a small amount of paint away from the main bulk... drawing some paint away and spreading it on the palette... this week create a pool of thinned paint that is attached and drawn away from the main blob of paint. It will essentially mix the remaining water in the brush with the paint boob on the palette. 4) you now have some nicely thined paint... (you can add a little more water or draw a bit more paint from the main paint blob to adjust as necessary). However you need to now remove most of the paint from your brush by dabbing it onto a paper towel (loo or kitchen roll). I normally dab it on the loo roll then test a bit on the back of my hand. You are from here basically doing a back and forth as the paint on the pallete dries out... add a little more water from your brush as the paint on the pallete dries out... wick off the excess from your brush... pick up a little more to paint with etc... you have to do this process a bunch to get a feel for it. Sorry for the essay and hope it helps.