The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for parts of the Tampa area, cautioning residents of low visibility on the roads due to dense fog across multiple counties. The advisory, effective until 10 a.m. EST this morning, highlights a visibility of one quarter mile or less in affected areas, specifically Coastal Hillsborough, Inland Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties, it includes the cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sun City Center, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Largo, Plant City, Tampa, and Westchase. Motorists are advised to exercise caution.
According to the National Weather Service forecast, the thick fog is expected to clear later in the day, with the weather gradually clearing to reveal sunny skies and a high near 82 degrees, although the calm winds from the south southwest might pick up in the afternoon reaching around 6 mph, the night will again be subject to widespread dense fog after midnight, setting the pattern for the following days. Partly cloudy conditions will accompany the low of around 61 degrees, while a light and variable wind is expected to continue through the evening.
The NWS’ detailed forecast also anticipates a repeating cycle of morning fog over the next several days, with widespread dense fog lifting before 9 a.m. tomorrow and areas of fog dissipating before that same hour on Monday; by Tuesday, patchy fog is likely before 9 a.m., yielding to sunny conditions and a high near 82 degrees. This daily pattern emphasizes the light and variable winds that will become a familiar touch to the days ahead, the calmer weather finally giving way to a 40 percent chance of showers by Thursday.
The Dense Fog Advisory put forward by the National Weather Service stresses the potential hazards such low visibility poses for drivers, "Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog," states the advisory, underscoring the importance of reducing speed, using headlights, and maintaining a generous following distance on the road. The same advisory extends precautionary and preparedness actions for those who take to the Tampa streets, suggesting vigilance in anticipation of the unpredictable veil that nature can cast over asphalt and routine alike.
