On Wed, 9 Jul 2003 08:47:34 +0100, "Jack Harrison"
wrote:

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.

I realise that the BBC is talking to the general public who no doubt
understand perfectly well what is meant. But I am confused when they
sometimes refer to "Hazy Sunshine" and don't mean cirrus, but to genuinely
reduced visibility.

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

Incidentally, on my gliding site, I use the term "thin top cover" to imply
that reduced sun will affect thermals, but this is hardly appropriate
terminology for Joe Public

Jack


Nowadays I often hear people referring to the "weather" as being hazy
when it most certainly is not.

Today, for example, in the Midlands the sky has the typical summer
warm sector look, there is a milkiness to the blue sky that is brought
about by the high humidity, though the horizontal visibility is quite
good. People; including, to my consternation, my own family; will
often refer to these conditions as "hazy".

JPG