The Florida Panhandle has many forecasting challenges. The area experiences a wide range of severe weather events ranging from severe thunderstorms to hurricanes. One of the other challenges facing forecasters in the Florida Panhandle is the marine environment. Sea fog can be one of the most challenging weather events caused by marine influences. Proper forecasting for sea fog requires careful examination of temperatures, wind conditions and satellite images. The AMS Glossary of Meteorology describes sea fog as "a type of advection fog formed when air that has been lying over a warm water surface is transported over a colder water surface, resulting in cooling of the lower layer of air below its dewpoint" (American Meteorology Society). Sea fog can cause visibility problems for mariners, as well as motorists when it moves inland. Forecasters in the Florida Panhandle area can expect sea fog to develop during the cooler months of October through February. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kelly Godsey says this time of the year is a common time for sea fog to form because this is "…when the sea surface temperature of the shelf waters over the Gulf of Mexico cools significantly." When the dewpoint is close to the surface water temperature, sea fog can form because "this will allow the parcel of air just above the water's surface to cool to saturation, condense, and produce a fog droplet" (Godsey). Forecasting for sea fog can be difficult because of less numerous coastal observation sites than those found on land. An accurate forecast is crucial, especially to those who make a living through marine jobs such as fishing. An inaccurate forecast of sea fog can be dangerous. If mariners are not aware of the reduced visibility, it can prove fatal. Sea fog can also be tricky because it often moves inland and affects motorists. It is difficult to predict exactly when the sea fog will move inland. This is another factor that makes forecasting sea fog difficult. For sea fog to form, the dewpoint of the shelf waters and the temperature of the air above the waters can only vary by a couple of degrees. A moist airmass must enter the forecast area, and this could come in the form of a warm front. However, the temperature combination must be one that will cause saturation and condensation. As with any form of fog, windy conditions will inhibit its development. Thus, calm conditions are the most favorable for sea fog formation. (Godsey) When forecasting for sea fog, it is important to look at coastal observation sites. Not only will the temperature need to be observed, but also the wind conditions. Meteorologist Jeff Haby points out on theweatherprediction.com that fog forecasting can be tricky because it is often overlooked. Thus, one of the best ways for a meteorologist to avoid the mistake of not forecasting sea fog is to be aware of the time of year it is most likely and always be on the look-out for it. Once sea fog has formed, it can be analyzed further by consulting satellite images. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee analyze sea fog at night by examining the IR channel of a satellite or by using what is known as the fog product. The fog product "…examines the outgoing radiation between 11 microns and 3.9 microns" (Godsey). This particular fog product may not be available to all forecasters, such as those who work at television stations. When technology such as this is not available, it can be particularly difficult to make an accurate sea fog forecast. In situations such as this, forecasters must rely on products issued by the local National Weather Service Office. Marine forecast discussions will usually contain information about sea fog if it is occurring in the forecast area. To learn more about sea fog formation, meteorologists can read journals from The American Meteorological Society. There's also quite a bit of information about advection fog online. Caution should be taken with the validity of all online resources unless it is from a credible source such as The American Meteorological Society or The National Weather Service. Overall, the best way to learn about sea fog and the effects it has on those living in marine areas is to have experience forecasting for this weather event. Meteorologists who are new to an area should gather information from meteorologists who have lived in the area for quite a while. First-hand observations also provide good insight into the development of sea fog formation. It is not unheard of for television stations to employ the help of weather watchers. These weather watchers may be mariners who call in to the station and provide first-hand observations to the weather staff. If a person has lived in a marine area, he or she will often notice that fog in the area can be very thick. This is another reason sea fog is so dangerous. The Gulf of Mexico provides the moisture needed for fog, and it also supplies condensation nuclei in the form of microscopic salt particles. It is difficult to predict exactly when sea fog will lift. That's why it's a good idea to avoid stating an exact time that the fog will lift (Haby). A close approximation will usually be the best route for even an experienced forecaster. However, examination of temperature predictions on forecast models and actual observations can help determine a time frame for the dissipation of the fog. In conclusion, sea fog is a difficult event in which to forecast, and there is no easy solution. The best way to improve forecasting accuracy of sea fog, as well as other weather events, is to practice. Forecasters who have lived in an area for a while generally get familiar with weather patterns that influence the area. Close examination of forecast models, surface charts and coastal observations can help a forecaster recognize situations that are favorable for the formation of sea fog. Even though local television meteorologists may not have access to advanced equipment such as the fog product used by the National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, they can rely on reports that come from the NWS office, as well as first-hand reports from observers. Anyone forecasting in the Florida Panhandle should always remember to check for sea fog, especially during the fall and winter. Works Cited American Meteorological Society. "Sea Fog." AMS Glossary of Meteorology. Allen Press. 6 April 2007 http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=sea-fog1 Godsey, Kelly. "Sea Fog Question." E-mail to the author. 4 April 2007. Haby, Jeff. "Common Forecasting Mistakes." theweatherprediction.com. Meteorologist Jeff Haby. 6 April 2007 http://www.theweatherprediction.com/philosophy/mistakes/ |