Firing wet clay can cause the piece to crack or even explode in the kiln. If the bottom of the pot feels cool it is probably to moist to fire. Sometimes the feel test is variable so a technical approach was taken.
Over 40 years ago, when I worked for the US Forest Service, I measured moisture in fire fuels (wood) by weighing a standardized piece of wood. Weigh the ware board plus pottery then wait 12 - 24 hours and weigh again. Results of repeated tests with humidity ranging from 7% to 40% showed it worked for pottery.
Table. The maximum change in weight (lbs) of ware-board plus pots to be considered dry in 12 -24 hours.
Weight of Ware Board + Pottery Change in Weight = Not Dry
6 lbs + 0.0150 lbs
7 lbs + 0.0175 lbs
8 lbs + 0.0200 lbs
9 lbs + 0.0225 lbs
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More drying never hurts so when in doubt test again.
An alternative calculation is weight changes in 24 hours more than 0.25% are still drying and too wet for firing.