The smog was so thick that residents were unable to see just a few feet in front of them. The Great Smog paralyzed London and crippled transportation for five days. In the case of London in early December 1952, visibility diminished and air quality worsened as the soot-laden smog grew thicker day by day. This warm layer traps the air beneath, preventing it from rising, and leading to a stagnant air mass.Ī temperature inversion prevented the smog from rising. When the temperature increases in a layer above cooler air near the ground, a temperature inversion forms. A typical atmospheric temperature profile would show colder temperatures higher above the surface. The cold air trapped the valley's warmer air leading to the development of a temperature inversion. A large river valley around the city limited air circulation. A high pressure system had stalled over southern England and a cold air mass blanketed the region. London's geography and the weather contributed to the smog. The smog was exacerbated by cold temperatures which forced people to burn more coal for heat. This particular "pea soup" continued to thickened into a poisonous stew over the city that lingered for five days. The fog had turned to "smog." Smog is a type of air pollution created by industrial output and naturally occurring weather patterns. Within a few hours the fog turned to a sickly color as it mixed with smoke and soot that was pumped into the air by London’s factories, chimneys, and automobiles. The fog eventually enshroud some famous landmarks. A veil of fog developed, not unusual for London. Skies were clear the morning of December 5th. The Great Smog of London was triggered by clear skies and high pressure. We associate dangerous weather with a strong low that may bring storms, heavy snow, or fierce winds. 100,000 were struck with respiratory illnesses and thousands died due to this weather event. London was smothered by smog for five days in December 1952. I was reminded of a weather-centered episode during the first season, which depicts the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign. I was recently re-watching the Netflix series "The Crown" ahead of the new season.
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