Friday Photo #647 – Summer Fog

Photo: Summer sea fog approaching from the north, Myrland, Flakstadøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway. June 4, 2021. 21:42

The sea fog, or fog monster, as I generally refer to it is the ruin of many summer evening BBQs and camping plans each year. Within a very short period of time, what is a nice summer day can suddenly drop in temperature as the fog arrives, cloaking the landscape in a layer of cool, misty grey. Above the fog, it still remains a nice summer day, but if you had not already made the plans to be at 400-500 meters, the normal highest elevation of fog, you will be stuck in the grey.

Sea fog occurs when warm air passed over cold water, quickly reaching its saturation point. For Lofoten, this is most often in early summer, but can occur later in the summer as well. The fog is quite difficult to forecast, but a warning sign that it might arrive will be a forecast for a nice sunny day with a slight northern wind – this is a prime recipe for fog along the northern coast of Lofoten.

I can often watch from my house as a wall of grey begins to approach from the north. Usually quite gradually at first, but once the fog near, it can be a quick change from sitting outside in a t-shirt and shorts to rushing to find a fleece and jacket, and then probably just going inside all together.

These two photos today are taken just 12 minutes apart. That’s all the time it takes to go from nice BBQ weather an mountain views, to barely being able to see my neighbours’ houses.

Camera Info:
Nikon D810
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
70mm
ISO 100
f10
1/60 Second
WB Daylight

Camera Info:
Nikon D810
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
24mm
ISO 100
f10
1/60 Second
WB Daylight