Iowans are experiencing poor visibility across the state that started over the weekend and has carried into Monday, July 14.
While other states are seeing air quality alerts due to wildfires in the Grand Canyon and Canada, something else is clouding up Iowa’s skies, and it’s not smoke.
Why is it hazy?
It’s actually fog falling over Iowa, said Jeff Zogg, a meteorologist for the Des Moines National Weather Service. There is a dense fog advisory issued for just southeast of Des Moines.
What is causing the fog?
Iowa has seen heavy rainfall over the last week. The moisture combined with light winds in southeastern Iowa creates room for dense fog, Zogg said.
How long will the fog last?
The fog is expected to last until around mid-morning on Monday, July 14.
With another round of possibly showers predicted later in the week, Iowa could see another round of fog fall over the state in the mornings, Zogg said.
What are some tips for driving in fog?
Avoid using high-beam headlights while driving in the evening, Zogg said. The high beams reflect the light off the fog, making it more difficult to see. Always increase the following distance when driving through fog, too.
“Slow down if you need to,” Zogg said. “Allow extra stopping time between you and the vehicles in front of you, just because you can’t see as far.”
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why is it hazy? It’s not smoke to blame for clouding up Iowa’s skies.
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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