Islay Coastal Fog called Haar

If you're not familiar with the term "Haar" you probably don't have a clue as to what I'm referring of. Haar is actually fog but when it occurs in spring and early summer in coastal areas we call it haar. Haar usually occurs on relatively warm spring days when the sea is cold and warm air is being transported from Southern Europe, usually when a high pressure area is nearby. When this warm air flows over the cold sea mist banks are formed. When the wind starts to blow from the sea, which often occurs in the afternoon due to rising warm air over land, dense fog rolls in from the coast and temperaturs can drop by as much as 5 to 10c. This coastal fog is called haar and variants of the term include har, hare, harl, harr, hoar and the origin may be Saxon. If you follow the INHT Blog you've probably seen Carl's picture of Haar on the Rhinns. James Deane was out this week with his camera as well and photographed the same effect, haar, from my favourite corner of Islay, see the beautiful images below. He also included a couple of images from my favourite tree, thanks very much James!

Loch Ardnahoe

Sound of Islay

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My Favourite Tree

Sunset

Loch Ardnahoe

View towards Keills

Tag: fog haar coastal fog sea mist