It’s that time of year again. That time of year where thick layers of fog cast over Pensacola and make a sunny day feel not so sunny. So why is it that our heads are quite literally in the clouds right around this time every year? I asked myself this question quite a few times over the last few weeks so I decided to do my own research and share it with anyone else wondering why their beach day suddenly turned not so beachy.
This pesky little scientific thing called advection fog. Advection fog occurs when moist, warm air passes over a colder surface and is cooled. If you haven’t been to the beach yet this year, I can assure you water is still pretty chilly, especially for the Gulf of Mexico. So, when the moist tropical air moves over cooler waters, advection fog occurs. If the wind blows in the right direction, then sea fog can become transported over coastal land areas, hence why the beach and bridges tend to be extra foggy.
As the weather warms, the Gulf will warm as well and with that the fog will disappear. But until then, remember to:
1. Wear sunscreen! The sun is still just as strong and the sunburns are just as painful.
2. Drive safe! Allow yourself extra time, use your headlights — but NOT your brights and maintain a safe speed.
3. Find the fogbow! Also called a white rainbow or ghost rainbow it’s a phenomenon similar to a rainbow, produced by sunlight shining on fog.
4. And lastly, stay positive. The fog always lifts.
