NEW ORLEANS — For most of us it's a feeling of relief when we get to the time of year when the heat isn't oppressive, but those cooler temperatures can come with a side effect — fog.
Your local weather expert, Chris Franklin, says fog happens due to a mix of breezier temps and moisture.
"Dew point is the measure of moisture in the atmosphere," Franklin explains. "We now have a southerly wind which increases the moisture and so as the temperature cools to the dew point, humidity increases. When the humidity is near 100 percent that’s when the fog forms."
For moisture, you need water, which Louisiana has plenty of.
"Most of our arteries come in over water, so when we’re in fog season all those main thoroughfares can be impacted," Franklin said.
It's now been two weeks since the I-55 multi-car pile-up that killed 7 and injured dozens of others. With another round of fog expected, experts want you to be extra safe and aware when you get behind the wheel.
"It’s very important to turn on your lights, use your low beams not necessarily just the fog lights or bright lights but turn on your low beams so you can see but more importantly so people can see you," Rodney Mallett, Communications Director for LADOTD said.
Louisiana DOTD and Louisiana State Police advise you to give yourself a little extra time in the morning to get to where you need to be. Also, increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. And of course, minimize distractions.
"We need people to slow down, everybody needs to slow down," Mallett said.
DOTD says they don't close down the roads and interstates during fog because it impacts such a large area for such a long time. LSP says if you can, take an alternate route, but always be safe.
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