Dense Fog — Southwest Maricopa County, Arizona

2015-02-01 · Southwest Maricopa County, Arizona

Event narrative

A wet Pacific weather system spread considerable showers across the central deserts on January 31st and then exited to the east. Ample lingering low level moisture combined with clearing skies to allow for areas of dense fog across southwest Maricopa county during the morning hours on February 1st. According to a trained weather spotter 2 miles southwest of Gila Bend, visibility was estimated to have fallen well below one quarter mile at 1015MST. Visibility gradually improved during the late morning hours. At 0340MST a Dense Fog Advisory was issued for southwest Maricopa County and the advisory remained in effect through noon. The dense fog created very hazardous driving conditions especially in the area around Gila Bend; fortunately no injuries or accidents were reported as a result of the dense fog.

Wider weather episode

A very wet Pacific weather system brought significant precipitation to Arizona on Friday January 31st and then moved off to the east. Ample lingering surface based moisture combined with clearing skies and light winds to produce widespread dense fog across south central Arizona. Many locations from Globe westward to Gila Bend reported visibilities at or below one quarter of a mile; in many cases visibility dropped to near zero miles for several hours. Many airports in the greater Phoenix area, including Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, were negatively impacted by dense fog and low visibility. Dense Fog Advisories were issued for south central and southwest Arizona starting early in the morning and continuing through noon.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 555614. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.