What leads to long periods of fog? Experts to find out

THE PRESENCE of extended periods of fog in northern parts of the country has led researchers at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to plan the launch of a winter fog experiment at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The experiment, WIFEX 2016-2017, is being conducted in collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Department, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast, and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research.

Studies show that every year, for about 48 days between December and February, visibility is below 100 metres in northwest India.

The experiment will be launched by Dr Rajeevan, secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, on December 6. According to researchers, it is likely that fog forecast can be made at least 36 hours in advance from January next year.

Elaborating on the project, Dr Sachin Ghude, coordinator of WIFEX 2016-2017, said, “The aim of the project is to understand the different physical and chemical features of fog and factors responsible for its genesis, intensity and duration.”

"The goal is to develop methods for forecasting winter fog on various temporal and spatial scales, and help reduce its adverse impact on aviation, transportation and economy, and loss of human life due to accidents,” Ghude said.