Meteorology · Visibility — Haze and Mist
The distinction between mist and fog (for reporting) is generally based on:
- AThe color of the water
- BVisibility — fog reduces visibility below about 1 km (1,000 m); mist is the same phenomenon with greater visibility✓ Correct
- CThe time of day only
- DWind direction
Explanation
Fog and mist are both suspended water droplets reducing visibility; by convention fog reduces visibility below about 1,000 m, while mist is the lighter form with visibility above that. Haze is dry particles (dust, smoke) that also cut visibility. Accurate visibility reporting matters for safe navigation.
Authority: WMO; surface observation standards
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