UNUSUAL METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA AT TÂRGU MUREŞ IN THE LAST YEARS
Otilia RUSZ, M. STĂNCESCU, I. NAGY
ABSTRACT. – Unusual meteorological phenomena at Târgu Mureș in last years. Meteorological observations at Târgu Mureș are effectuated from the second half of 19th century. The weather station functions at the actual location since 29 May 2013. In the current place environment conditions have not changed significantly, but the new site of the station is closer to Azomureș Chemical Factory, which is the biggest polluter of Mureș County. Haze and smoke are very rare phenomena hence at Târgu Mureș haze and (industrial) smoke were reported 18 times within two years (2014-2015). The snowfall of 31th of December 2014 in Târgu Mureș was uncommon due to the existing weather conditions. An anticyclone was located over the region, and no precipitations were forecasted. At the same time in all Transylvania there was sunshine, as well in the other parts of the town. During the last decades it happened only once that a thunderstorm occurred in winter in Târgu Mureș. In 12 January 2016 thunderstorm and also hail were reported from this meteorological station. A large-scale cyclone was situated over Europe. The synoptic situation (warm advection then cold front) perhaps contributed to appearance of thunderstorm. However, nowhere such phenomena were observed that day. All these unusual meteorological phenomena could be caused by the activity of Azomures. Haze and smoke clearly appear due to emission of this factory. Anthropogenic snow can develop near industrial platforms, due to emanated solid particles. In polluted air masses, aerosols may enhance cloud electrification and contribute to hail formation. An increase in the concentration of cloud condensation nuclei leads to an increase in the size of hail and ice pellets or may favour to the formation of these types of precipitation.
Keywords: Târgu Mureș, haze, industrial snow, winter hail, Azomureş