A thick layer of fog rolled over Bloemfontein early this morning, reducing visibility across parts of the city as temperatures dropped to around 8°C.
The fog, which lingered through the early hours before gradually lifting later in the morning, was the result of a natural atmospheric process commonly experienced during cold winter conditions.
According to Storm Report SA’s DJ Hefer, fog forms when the air near the ground cools overnight and reaches what is known as the dew point.
“As temperatures fall during the night, the air can no longer hold all of its moisture in vapour form. The excess moisture then condenses into millions of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, creating fog,” explained Hefer.
He said the conditions experienced in Bloemfontein were ideal for the development of what meteorologists refer to as radiation fog.
“Clear skies overnight, cooling temperatures and very light winds create the perfect environment for radiation fog to form. The slight breeze helps keep the moist air mixed, but is not strong enough to disperse it, allowing a low cloud of condensed moisture to develop close to the ground,” Hefer said.
Motorists travelling during the early morning hours were urged to exercise caution due to reduced visibility on roads.
As the sun rose and temperatures increased, the fog began to dissipate.
“The sun’s heat gradually evaporates the tiny water droplets, restoring visibility and clearing the fog layer,” Hefer added.
No major incidents related to the weather conditions were reported, and skies started clearing by mid-morning, leaving behind cold but sunny winter conditions across the city.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
