Most people know what fog is, but do you know how it is formed?
Fog can essentially be considered a cloud that is at ground level. The processes of fog forming, are usually different from those that form clouds. Like clouds, fog is made up of condensed water droplets which are the result of the air being cooled to the point (we call it dew point) where it can no longer hold all of the water vapor it contains.
The fog in Arkansas is most commonly a type a fog called “radiation fog.” Radiation fog is usually formed on a still, cool night when heat is radiated up from the earth’s surface, cooling the lower layers of the atmosphere. If the temperature cools below dew point, condensation will cause fog to form. This type of fog is said to “burn off” in the morning sun.
An interesting fact about fog that may upset snow lovers, is that fog is one of the fastest ways to melt snow! In the winter, snow can melt rapidly if a warm, humid air mass overrides the snow and the snow lowers the temperature of this humid air to the point that fog forms. The fog droplets forming at the snow surface release the latent heat of condensation, which helps to melt the snow.
Be safe while driving and remember that fog reduces visibility, which produces dangerous driving conditions. Please be cautious when driving, keep your headlights ON using low beams, be alert (no distracted driving), and leave enough distance between you and other cars.
Have a great day!
