Fog is the creation of a low-level, low-visibility atmospheric phenomenon, usually consisting of a cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the air near the surface of the earth. It usually occurs in cool, damp conditions and is most common during the night or early morning. Because inlets and bays are often sheltered from wind and bordered by hills or mountains, they usually make excellent environments for the formation of fog. Depending on the area and season, fog may appear on a regular basis or be more sporadic.
In the summer, fog in inlets and bays is much more common during the early morning hours and can quickly dissipate by mid-morning as the air warms. This is due to the presence of low temperatures and rising humidity, which create the perfect conditions for fog formation. It is often caused by the presence of warm air from the ocean drifting over the cool air that is typically found in these areas. The warmer air causes the cooler air to become saturated with water droplets, leading to the formation of a layer of fog.
In the winter, fog in inlets and bays tends to be more persistent. This is due to the fact that the colder air in these regions allows higher levels of moisture to stay suspended in the atmosphere. This can result in the formation of thick, grey fog that can last throughout the day. Wind-sheltering hills and mountains combined with low temperatures can create the perfect environment for fog formation and persistence in the winter months.
The presence of an inlet or bay near an urban region can also lead to the formation of fog due to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. As these pollutants react with the air, they can cause changes in the levels of humidity. A rise in the levels of moisture in the air can create the conditions necessary to form the thick, low-lying clouds we call fog. This is especially true in areas with more severe air pollution, where fog can become a very visible indicator of the pollution.
No matter what the season, inlets and bays are typically a more likely setting for the formation of fog than open bodies of water. This is because inlets and bays, due to their enclosed nature, are often protected from strong winds. The winds are unable to disperse the moisture-laden air, allowing it to linger and form fog.
In conclusion, fog in inlets and bays is common during the cooler months of the year, and the sheltered nature of these regions helps the fog to form and linger. While summer mornings may still bring brief periods of fog, winter months are more likely to see persistent, long-lasting fog. Pollution can also play a role in the formation of fog in inlets, bays, and other more urban areas.