Fog and Associated Weather Conditions in the Area of Kyiv/Аntonov-2 Airfield

Abstract

The State Enterprise “Antonov” Airport in the town of Hostomel occupies a strategic position due to its proximity to Kyiv, being less than 30 kilometers away. Moreover, it is capable of receiving and servicing large and specialized aircraft, making it a vital asset for aviation activities. One of the most important factors that significantly impact the aviation industry is meteorological conditions. This article examines fog and weather conditions that led to its formation in the vicinity of the Kyiv/Antonov-2 airport over a period of more than a decade from 2010 to 2020. Through careful analysis, not only the average and maximum frequencies of fog occurrence on a monthly, seasonal, and annual basis are considered, but also the characteristics of air temperature, wind, and visibility during fog episodes. The data source is information meticulously collected from the weather logs of AV-6 at the Kyiv/Antonov-2 airport during the specified period. The conclusions drawn are based on well-established methods of climatological analysis of meteorological data. The research has shown that fog is a meteorological phenomenon that is not frequently observed during the summer months in this region. However, as autumn sets in, their cumulative frequency steadily increases, reaching approximately 15% of the total number of fog occurrences. Interestingly, fogs are mostly observed at positive temperatures, although occasional exceptions occur when fog forms even in significantly cold conditions. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that fogs at the Kyiv/Antonov-2 airport can occur independently of wind direction. It should be noted that fogs are most commonly observed with visibility ranging from 100 to 500 meters. The results of this study provide valuable information about the climate characteristics of the airport, which can be extremely useful for various stakeholders. For meteorologists and forecasters, these findings can serve as a valuable tool to improve the accuracy of fog-related forecasts at the airport, thereby promoting safer and more efficient aviation operations. The conclusions drawn from this research not only deepen the overall understanding of local weather conditions, but also hold practical significance for those involved in aviation and weather forecasting. Furthering such studies contributes to ensuring safer skies and more efficient airports.