Fog
Fog can occur anywhere in the United States, but some of the most significant fog events are seen in the coastal ranges in the western U.S., mainly in California. It occurs frequently during the summer when hot inland temperatures and cool ocean waters combine to create a low-pressure zone, known as a ‘thermal low.’ The formation of this low and the strength is driven by daytime heating within a given area. Moist air blowing across the Pacific comes in contact with the cold water, and condensation occurs, allowing low clouds/fog to form. The warmer inland air rises and with help from the onshore breezes, the heavier cold ocean air rushes in to replace it- taking along the fog.
