While West Devon sun-worshippers were basking in unseasonable temperatures, many walkers, photographers and wildlife spotters were feeling the negative side-effects of the recent warm weather this week. Over the last seven days, many have noted poor visibility on Dartmoor, obscuring views of the tors and birdlife. A spokesperson for the Met Office said the recent haze is due to a combination of high temperatures and winds coming from the South East. He said: 'In Devon, you commonly get winds coming from the West, straight from the Atlantic, so that means clean air. 'Just recently, though, you've had winds coming from the South East. Those winds have travelled over continental Europe so they have a build-up of pollutants in them from industrial processes. 'The high temperatures in Devon mean those pollutants are then trapped close to the surface, so you get what's called an inversion layer, which means reduced visibility.' Over the last week, temperatures in the Okehampton area have been eight degree above average for the time of year. Temperatures of 16 and 17 degrees have been recorded even on the highest tors. The Met Office expects those temperatures to fall away through the course of the coming week, but they will still stay above average.
