Valley fog on a satellite visible image
Lesson 1
Meteorological Satellite Orbits
Lesson 2
Review of Radiative Transfer
Lesson 3
Visible Image Interpretation
Lesson 4
Infrared Image Interpretation
Lesson 5
Multispectral Image Interpretation
Lesson 6
Fires & Aerosols
Lesson 7
Winds
Lesson 8
Sounders
Lesson 9
Fog and Stratus
Lesson 10
Thunderstorm
Lesson 11
Energy Budget
Lesson 12
Hurricanes
Lesson 13
Global Circulation
Lesson 14
Synoptic Scale
Lesson 15
Local Circulation
Lesson 16
Satellite Oceanography
Lesson 17
Precipitation

Lesson 9: Fog

Satellite meteorology is very valuable for identifying fogs. Visible and infrared (both 3.9 and 11 micron images) should be used in combination to locate fog.

Fog Formation

Some clues to look for in satellite images when predicting fog formation:

  • Look for low level moisture. Moist regions appear as warmer in IR images at night (other things being equal). Prediction of radiation fogs can therefore, occassionally, be aided by enhanced nighttime IR imagery.
  • Radiation fogs form on clear nights. Use satellite imagery to determine if clouds are moving into or away from the forecast area.
  • Winter fogs can last a long time, if snow is on the ground and the dew point is above freezing.

    Fog Dissipation

    Some clues to look for in satellite images when predicting fog dissipation:

  • Use satellite imagery to determine if clouds are moving into or away from the forecast area.


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