Boaters off the New Jersey coast should exercise extreme caution early Tuesday as dense fog has severely reduced visibility in nearshore waters. Stretching from Sandy Hook to Cape May, the fog has cut visibility to less than one nautical mile, creating hazardous conditions for mariners in the area. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. EDT Tuesday.
Dense Fog Advisory for Near-Coastal Waters
The advisory spans all near-coastal zones, including popular areas like Manasquan Inlet, Little Egg Inlet, and Great Egg Inlet. The fog is particularly thick within 20 nautical miles of the shore, making navigation increasingly difficult for both recreational boaters and commercial operators. Mariners in these areas are urged to use extreme caution as visibility is expected to remain very low until conditions improve after sunrise.
Safety Precautions for Mariners
Mariners are strongly advised to use radar and compass tools for navigation, maintain running lights on vessels, and sound appropriate fog signals to alert others in the area. These tools will help ensure that boaters can navigate safely through the fog, even with limited visibility. Both recreational and commercial boaters are also encouraged to delay their trips if possible, as travel in such conditions can be risky.
Cause of the Fog
The dense marine fog is part of a broader weather pattern where humid early summer air masses meet cooler ocean temperatures. This clash of air masses often results in localized fog banks forming along the coastline, especially during the early morning hours. Mariners should expect such events to occur periodically during the summer months.
What to Expect After Daybreak
Mariners should remain alert for updates to the Dense Fog Advisory as visibility conditions are expected to evolve after daybreak. The fog is expected to gradually lift, allowing for safer travel later in the morning. However, mariners should stay updated on the latest advisories for real-time visibility changes.
