Question:
What is the extent of this seemingly world wide fog phenomenon over the past 14 days (Dec 17 – Dec 30 2024)?
Answer:
Fog is Common in Late Autumn/Winter
Widespread (But Not Global) Fog
Fog can develop when relatively warm, moist air flows over colder ground, or when clear nights allow the surface to cool to the dew point. This is more common in the cooler half of the year in mid-latitude regions.
Temperature Inversions
Wintertime high-pressure systems often create temperature inversions (cold air trapped near the ground by warmer air aloft), which favor fog formation. These inversions can be widespread, but they don’t typically span entire continents simultaneously.
Social Media Amplification
Localized Events Seem Larger
If many people in different places are sharing fog photos and experiences on social media, it can give the impression that the same phenomenon is happening worldwide.
Confirmation Bias
Once people become aware of stories or posts about “global fog,” they may notice their own local fog more and attribute it to a worldwide pattern—even if it’s just a normal seasonal event where they live.
Real-Time Weather Data
Check Regional Observations
Weather agencies (e.g., NOAA in the U.S.) monitor visibility and fog conditions daily. If a massive, synchronized fog event had truly spanned multiple continents, you would see formal reports or advisories on these agencies’ websites and in the media. I was actively using these sites and, while they mentioned some localized areas of fog, there was no nationwide fog advisory.
Global Overviews
Organizations like NOAA and ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) compile global analyses. While December–January typically sees higher fog frequency in many Northern Hemisphere regions, there’s no published bulletin suggesting a single phenomenon spanning the planet at once. If there had been, meteorologists would be studying this amazing event!
