Long-term trends in visibility and its characteristics in selected regions of Poland

Abstract

Air quality in Poland is determined by a large number of factors. The influence of atmospheric air and meteorological conditions on atmospheric visibility in Poland was examined. The article is based on statistical analysis of meteorological elements parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation amount, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure) and air pollution concentrations (PM10, SO2, NO2) in 2004–2017. Data was provided from three Polish cities, located in the north, central and south Poland. It was shown that PM10 concentration was the most important parameter affecting visibility in all monitoring stations. Air pollutants NO2 and SO2 have a negative effect on visibility, but to a lesser extent than PM10. The influence of meteorological conditions on the effect of the air humidity on the deterioration of the visibility ratio and the stimulating effect of wind speed on the improvement of visibility conditions has been demonstrated.