Why Fog Season is Back in Rowan County

As October begins, many Rowan County residents are waking up to mornings with fog. This is a seasonal pattern that tends to return each fall, especially during calm and cool nights. Understanding why this happens can help drivers, parents, and early risers prepare for what’s ahead.

The Science Behind Fog Formation

Fog develops when the air near the ground cools enough for moisture to condense into tiny droplets. In Rowan County, the most common type this time of year is radiation fog. It forms on clear nights when the ground loses heat rapidly, cooling the air just above it. If winds are calm and humidity is high, the temperature can drop to the dew point, and fog develops.

Why Now?

Autumn is prime fog season because:

• Longer nights allow more cooling at the surface.

• Clear skies are common under high pressure systems, making the cooling more effective.

• Calm winds prevent the fog from dispersing quickly.

• Moist ground from recent rain can add extra humidity, giving fog a better chance to form.

Where It’s Most Common

Fog is more likely to appear in low-lying areas, valleys, and near bodies of water where cooler air collects overnight. This explains why some parts of Rowan County may wake up to thick fog while others remain clear.

Safety Impacts

Fog can reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile in spots. For drivers, that means slowing down, using low beam headlights, and allowing extra space between vehicles. For school transportation, foggy mornings can delay bus routes or make pick-up points more hazardous.

Looking Ahead

As long as calm, cool nights continue, fog will remain part of the daily pattern into the fall. It typically becomes less frequent once stronger cold fronts and more unsettled weather arrive later in the season.