The temps in Maine have been remarkably frigid. In fact, the state hasn’t seen the thermometer dip this low for this long since the 1970s! With over two weeks of below-freezing days, we’ve all had plenty of time to complain. But, now that things are warming up a bit, (only in Maine do temperatures above 20 degrees indicate a heat wave!) we can begin to see the bright side. One naturally occurring and totally beautiful example is sea smoke in Maine.
The most loved images of Maine often include lighthouses, lobster dinners and quaint seafood shacks, but those who spend winters here know that beauty exists beyond the obvious.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Those who lived through the freezing temps we’ve had the past few weeks know that THIS is the weather that brings one of the best Maine natural phenomena.
Michael R / Flickr
Sea smoke!
Wayne Boardman / Flickr
Sea smoke, also sometimes called “frost smoke” or “steam fog” can only be seen when the weather is frigid.
Dana Moos / Flickr
It occurs when very cold air, like what we’ve seen lately, moves over much warmer water.
Michael R / Flickr
More scientifically, sea smoke forms when this very cold air mixes with a layer of warm air immediately above the warmer water.
Dana Moos / Flickr
When the warmer air cools more than the dew point, it can’t hold as much water vapor and the excess condenses outward to create sea smoke.
Cheryl / Flickr
The result is otherworldly!
Wayne Boardman / Flickr
To see sea smoke in action, check out this video from at Willard Beach shared on YouTube by Downeast Magazine.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Michael R / Flickr
Wayne Boardman / Flickr
Dana Moos / Flickr
Cheryl / Flickr
Have you captured photos of the recent sea smoke in Maine? If you want them to be featured on our Facebook page, send them along!
For 10 more naturally occurring wonders in Maine, check out this article!
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