Mists

Mists are a meteorological phenomenon consisting of tiny droplets of liquid water suspended in the air near the Earth's surface, forming a visible veil that reduces visibility without completely obscuring the landscape. In common, non-technical usage, mist is less dense than fog; meteorologists typically describe mist as causing visibility around 1 to 2 kilometers (approximately 0.6 to 1.2 miles), whereas fog reduces visibility to less than about 1 kilometer.

Mist forms when moist air becomes saturated and cools, prompting water vapor to condense into tiny droplets. This can occur as air near the ground experiences radiative cooling at night, or when warm, humid air passes over cooler surfaces. It is also common over bodies of water, in coastal areas, or in valleys where mist can develop as air stagnates and humidity remains high. Common varieties include radiation mist, advection mist, and coastal mist, each associated with different patterns of air movement and temperature.

The appearance and duration of mist depend on local conditions such as humidity, wind, and solar heating. Mist tends to dissipate with rising sun, warming temperatures, or mixing of the air by wind, and may persist for only minutes or extend to several hours. While it can hinder travel and outdoor work, mist also contributes to landscape aesthetics and ecological moisture, supporting certain plant and animal activities in damp environments.