The meteorological authorities have issued an important weather alert for the early morning hours, indicating that fog of varying intensity will affect large parts of eight different regions. This forecast is part of ongoing monitoring of the weather, and the effects of this phenomenon are expected to last for several hours, urging citizens and residents in these areas to take precautions.
The effect of fog on horizontal visibility
Fog is a weather phenomenon that directly and significantly affects horizontal visibility. In some areas, visibility can drop to very low levels, and in open areas and on highways, it can even reach zero visibility. The formation of this dense fog is due to high relative humidity combined with low minimum temperatures during the night and early morning hours, causing water vapor to condense near the Earth's surface.
Traffic safety guidelines during fog
Given the potential hazards arising from reduced visibility, traffic safety and road security authorities have stressed the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution. Key recommendations for driving in such conditions include the following:
- Slowing down: You should drive at a speed appropriate to your visibility, so that you can stop safely if any sudden obstacle appears.
- Use appropriate lights: It is recommended to use fog lights or low beam lights, and avoid using high beam lights which may reflect off water droplets and make visibility more difficult.
- Leave a safe following distance: Increase the distance between vehicles to avoid rear-end collisions in case of sudden stopping.
- Avoid using warning lights (flashers) except when completely stopped: using them while driving may confuse other drivers and give them the false impression that there has been an accident or stop.
Climate context and the importance of monitoring
Early morning fog is a common phenomenon at this time of year, especially during seasonal transitions or at the height of winter. These fogs can disrupt daily life for a few hours, affecting air and land traffic and sometimes causing delays for employees and students.
In conclusion, the official authorities call on everyone to follow the weather reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology continuously through official channels and smartphone applications, to check the weather conditions before going out, in order to ensure the safety of lives and property and avoid any risks that may result from sudden weather fluctuations.
