SARASOTA, Fla. — Dense morning fog has appeared daily across Florida’s Suncoast this week, causing hazardous driving conditions for commuters, especially on bridges and in low-lying areas.
Thursday morning, video showed thick fog covering the DeSoto Bridge from Palmetto, reducing visibility during the early commute.
Meteorologist Rick Kirby said Florida’s winter weather creates ideal conditions for fog formation.
“This time of the year, we’ve got the perfect fog recipe,” Kirby said. “Clear nights, light winds, and plenty of moisture sitting right near the ground.”
The fog forms through a process called radiation fog, which develops on clear winter nights when the ground and air near the surface cool. When the temperature drops to the dew point, the air can’t hold moisture, creating fog.
Florida’s warm waters keep the atmosphere humid overnight, and light winds allow fog to form. Too much air mixing prevents it.
Fog usually appears first in low-lying areas, near water, and on bridges. Roads including U.S. 41, Interstate 75, and coastal routes are often affected.
“That’s why one stretch of road can be clear, and the next one absolutely isn’t,” Kirby said.
A dense fog advisory is issued when visibility drops to a quarter mile or less.
Stronger winds expected later in the week and into the weekend should reduce fog formation. Drivers encountering fog are advised to slow down, use low beams, and leave extra space between vehicles.
In Florida, fog typically dissipates by noon and rarely lasts long.
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