Rio like London: how the fog that closed the airport formed

Fog was observed in the early hours of this Saturday (27) in the city of Rio de Janeiro. According to Sedec-RJ (State Secretariat for Civil Defense of Rio de Janeiro), the phenomenon was caused by a combination of atmospheric conditions favorable to its formation. The landscape caught attention and was even compared to that of London, a city known for its often cloudy weather.

Low visibility caused by fog temporarily impacted airport operations. According to Sedec-RJ, there was a significant reduction in horizontal visibility, affecting landings and takeoffs.

During the morning, the cooling of the Earth's surface reduced the air temperature close to the ground. Associated with the high humidity present in the atmosphere, this process favored the saturation of the air and the condensation of water vapor, giving rise to fog.

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Weak winds also contributed to the persistence of the phenomenon. In the region of Galeão International Airport, the proximity to Guanabara Bay and the influence of maritime circulation maintained high levels of relative air humidity, prolonging the formation of fog and reducing visibility.

Fog closes Galeão
Galeão International Airport, in Rio de Janeiro, remained closed for landings and takeoffs for around three hours, this Saturday morning (27), due to intense fog.

In total, 25 flights that would land at the location were switched to other airports and another 13 flights were cancelled, between arrivals and departures.

According to the concessionaire RIOgaleão, responsible for managing the site, the instability in the airport service lasted from 5 am to 8:17 am. At around 1pm this Saturday, the airport was fully reopened for landings and take-offs.

In a statement, Azul informed that four company flights to or from the airport were cancelled. Read in full:

"Azul informs that, due to adverse weather conditions in the region of Galeão airport, a reason completely beyond the Company's control, this Saturday, four flights to or from the airport were cancelled. The impacted Customers are receiving the assistance provided for by Anac Resolution 400 and are being reaccommodated on the next flights of Azul and similar companies. Azul regrets any inconvenience and reinforces that measures such as these are necessary to guarantee the safety of its operations, a fundamental value for Company."

Gol pointed out that the company recorded 12 alternate flights, one delayed flight and nine canceled flights originating or ending at the airport. Read the full note:

"GOL informs that, due to the adverse weather conditions recorded this Saturday morning (27th) at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG), until 11:30 am, 12 alternate flights were registered, one flight was delayed and nine flights were canceled with origin or destination at the airport. 400 of ANAC, according to verified needs. GOL reinforces that all operational decisions were made with a focus on Safety, its number 1 value."

For this Saturday, the forecast indicated that temperatures will vary between 19°C and 23°C, with thermal sensations of 20°C in the morning, 23°C during the day, 21°C in the afternoon and at night.

*Under the supervision of Thomaz Coelho

Source: CNN