Scientists: Europe becoming less foggy

Europe is less foggy than it was thirty years ago, due to a reduction in pollution entering the atmosphere, according to scientists.

A team from the Atomic Energy Commission in France, led by Robert Vautard, examined weather patterns in a range of European countries.

Their study concluded that incidents where visibility was reduced to less than eight kilometers have fallen by 50 per cent since the 1970s.

The MET Office's Dave Britton stated: "That makes sense. Clouds form around particles and dust in the air, so cleaner air brings clearer skies."

He pointed out that in the fifties and beyond, domestic chimneys were emanating fumes from coal fires - something that is rarely seen today.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, California has been allocated $10,943,940 (£7.5 million) in funds to help curb pollution in the state and promote better air quality.