Weather News : What's the difference between mist and fog?

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 the weather is like where you are, do take care. If it's hot remember to keep hydrated ... if like me when the weather is not too suitable to go out, then stay in and perhaps enjoy a cuppa. I even enjoy a cuppa when the weather is fine and I've been out walking. The important thing is to stay safe and stay well.

Whatever your plans are today, I wish you a good one.

All the best Jan