On the WeatherRadar: Sea fog and cloud hugs east coast

Thick cloud and sea fog rolled into the east coast of the UK during the morning, causing a stark temperature contrast between the east and west.

Sea fog, also known locally as haar or sea fret, formed along the east coast overnight as a result of easterly winds and a warm front tracking westwards.

Sea fog requires the movement of a warm air mass over a cold sea surface, which then cools and condenses, like when a person breathes warm air onto cold glass, forming a dense layer of fog or low cloud.

It is a more regular phenomenon in spring time when the sea reaches its lowest temperatures, while warmer air moving in becomes more common.

The sea fog can be blown several miles inland by sea breezes and easterly winds, which can significantly reduce temperatures.

Usually, sunshine and warmer temperatures will then burn away the fog away, but if its thick enough and there is little wind then conditions could remain stagnant for several hours. In this instance, cloud and rain has also arrived from the east through the morning.

Check the conditions on the WeatherRadar where you are.