Scientist explained why Minsk has more cloudy days than "Foggy Albion"
Ivan Buyakov, a researcher at the climate research laboratory of the Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, notes that the perception of London as a constantly gray, foggy, and rainy city is largely outdated, writes sb.by.
According to climatic data, Minsk has approximately 23-35 completely clear days per year, when there is not a single cloud in the sky. London has significantly more such days — from 45 to 60. The number of cloudy days in the Belarusian capital is about 167-177 per year, while in the British capital it is approximately 140-160.
One of the reasons the scientist names is the terrain. London is located in a relatively low area — approximately 20-30 meters above sea level. Minsk is situated much higher: from about 180 meters in the Shabany district to almost 270 meters near the "Spartyunaya" metro station. Moist air, encountering elevated ground, rises, cools, and consequently contributes to the formation of low clouds and fogs.
Another factor is Belarus's geographical position. Atlantic cyclones regularly pass through the country's territory, bringing large masses of moist air. This contributes to the formation of dense cloud cover.
The third reason is temperature inversions, particularly characteristic of the period from October to March. During anticyclones, the temperature sometimes increases with altitude: a warmer layer forms above the cold surface air, acting as a kind of "lid." It prevents moisture and cold air from rising higher. As a result, moisture accumulates near the ground, cools, and forms continuous gray cloud cover.
In London, the situation is partially mitigated by its proximity to the sea. Sea breezes can disperse cloudiness, which is why, despite the reputation of "Foggy Albion," the British capital on average has more clear days and fewer cloudy days than Minsk.
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