"Jack Harrison" wrote in message
...
This favourite terminology from the BBC usually implies (I think) reduced
direct sunshine due to cirrus or other thin high cloud.

I wonder why they persist in using this misleading expression? Hazy
normally would mean reduced surface visibility due to dust or other
particles.

A new form of words is needed to describe reduced insolation resulting
from
thin high cloud. Any suggestions?

I don't criticise this usage, although I don't particularly like it and I
don't
use it myself. 'Hazy' has meanings beyond meteorology as a quick squint
in the dictionary will show you. My Collins is handiest at the moment and
this is what it has to say:

hazy /adj/ 1. characterized by reduced visibility; misty. 2. indistinct;
vague. (C.17; of unknown origin)

I prefer to use 'weak sunshine' in a winter context, 'watery sunshine'
on occasion, for instance through a cirrostratus veil or altostratus
ahead of a warm front, and in summer, if appropriate 'sunshine
filtering through high clouds'.

You might think 'watery' is an odd adjective to use in front of
sunshine, but there it is in the dictionary: "4. insipid, thin, or weak."
However, I don't like 'milky' which is a more appropriate
description of clouds rather than sunshine. The dictionary agrees:
"1. resembling milk esp. in colour or cloudiness. 2. of or
containing milk. 3. spiritless or spineless."

Philip Eden