Recently it has been lovely to see sunshine in many areas of the UK, it is so uplifting isn't it. However, in the forecast for today some areas of the UK may experience fog, indeed where you live perhaps you have been experiencing a lot of fog or mist? During both the autumn and winter months, in the Northern Hemisphere, many of us do and we often hear "fog and mist come up a lot in weather forecasts. They can affect visibility, so it's important that people know when to expect this kind of change in weather, as it can impact things like driving, flying and travelling by boat.
So what is the difference between mist and fog?
And how can people stay safe when it is around?
Read on to find out...
What causes mist and fog?
On a cold day, if you breathe out, you will probably form your own cloud. This is made of the water vapour from your breath, causing droplets. It is the same way clouds in the sky are formed.
Fog and mist are also both caused by the suspension of water droplets. They are a bit like clouds on the ground and often form after rain when there is a lot of water vapour around. When the ground cools down, so does the air near it. When air cools down, invisible water vapour changes into water droplets – called condensation. These water droplets form clouds which we can see on the ground, restricting our visibility.
What is the difference between mist and fog?
By international agreement, particularly for airports and flights, fog is the name given when you can see less than 1000m ahead of you (just over half a mile).
Mist is when a person can see more than 1000m and up to 8km (just under 5 miles) when looking out to the horizon. So, if they can see further than 8km, it wouldn't be classed as mist or fog.
Because mist isn’t as thick as fog, it can disappear quicker.
How to stay safe in fog
Heavy fog can affect all sorts of transport because when you can't see clearly, it can be dangerous. Sometimes planes can be delayed by fog, as if it is thick, it can be difficult to take off or land.
For people driving, there are special lights that help people to see as well as be seen by other drivers.
Ships, boats and ferries can also get into difficulty when there is fog. Lighthouses give off a strong beam of light to help show where the land is when the weather is misty or foggy. Fog horns are also used by ships to warn other boats that they are nearby.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has advice for people out at sea. The charity says people should check the weather forecast throughout the day (not just the moment before setting off), especially if there is a temperature change.
They should make themselves visible and use fog signals.
If you are planning on going hiking or cycling, it is always a good idea to wear bright reflective clothing so you can be seen if it gets foggy."
Words and image from article here
~ xxx oooo xxx ~
Whatever your plans are today, I wish you a good one.
All the best Jan
32 comments:
...two terms that are confused easily.
Es bueno precisar. Te mando un beso.
This is very interesting! I never knew the difference between the two. I guess we had a misty morning today! I love a misty morning, but not a thick fog!
Fog is scary to drive in. The Great Smoky Mountains are named because of the fog that is present in the mountains.
We had a beautiful sunny day. I spent it in the garden. When we go boating, we are very careful to check the weather. Fog and mist can be dangerous out on the water. I didn't know the difference between fog and mist - this was interesting.
I look at mist as an super light rain. Fog as low clounds.
Certainly on very cold days it is best to stay safe at home with a cup of coffee or tea!
Very interesting -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
Thank you for this! Important for landscape photographers to know how to describe what we see
This is fascinating! I love a good foggy morning. I remember walking to school many, many years ago in smog (not so pleasant) where I had to hold a friend’s hand because we couldn’t see anything but a few feet in front of us. Smog is a whole different story. Great post Jan and all the best :)
I miss misty mornings. Often used to stop the car in the country to take pics... Here in the city you hardly have this...
That interesting and I didn't really know the difference exactly.
The misty scene is pretty. we have been having some foggy morning here.
Take care, have a great day!
I don't like foggy weather when I'm driving. It's sunny here today but rather cold.
really well explained. Very interesting post. Thanks.
Mist adds magic, fog lends drama.
Interesting post. Sunny and a warmup today. Perfect for a play day and a cuppa with my friend. Have a good day!
I love a goofy or misty morning as long as I don't have to drive in it. Have a super start to March Jan.
Interesting information. I didn't know about that technical distinction between distances, for whether it is called mist or fog. Sometimes in the Winter here in the Northeast US, there is freezing fog. Also, sometimes, fog rises from the snow cover. I love fog, but I rarely get any good photos showing how it looks.
I sort of knew. I had no idea!
Great post! Information I dind't know.
It's easy to see them as the same thing.
Muy interesante y bien definido.
Feliz fin de semana.
Saludos.
I'd often wondered what the difference was.
Thank you for explaining.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Interesting. I've always wondered about the difference.
Keeping hydrated. For sure is important.
They usually say Fog for us, we have had a few mornings of them, hubby likes to get fog pictures. It makes me nervous when your driving and there is fog, it can change so quickly.
Good to know, I interchange the terms!
During Alaskan winters, we experienced ice fog for the first time and throughout our decade there.
I wondered what the difference was between fog and mist. Thank you for putting me straight.
Muy interesante. Gracias y besos.
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