Have you noticed all the fog around Tampa Bay lately? It's called sea fog, and it can be dangerous for drivers and boaters.

Sea fog can form quickly, leading to near zero visibility, and it's common this time of the year.

How does it form?

Sea fog forms when warm, moist air moves over cooler waters. 

As the warm air crosses over the cool water, the air begins to cool and the air temperature begins to drop. It eventually cools down to the dew point. At that point, relative humidity reaches 100% and the air becomes saturated.

The dew point is essentially the measure of moisture in the air. It tells us the temperatures the air must cool down to until it becomes saturated. The air temperature can't be lower than the dew point.

When the air temperature drops to the dew point, the moisture in the air condenses into tiny water droplets, creating fog. 

It's most common in the winter and spring months when the water temperatures in the Gulf or Tampa Bay are at their coolest. As warm, humid air returns, conditions become favorable for sea fog to form.

That warm, humid air mass usually comes from a south or southwest wind. 

If you're driving and there is dense fog, use your low-beam headlights.

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