The Haar: What is the Scottish phenomenon visible from space?
A satellite image shows the entire east coast of Scotland covered in the Haar.
Taken on May 13 by Nasa's Worldview service, it shows the coastal or sea fog extending from Eyemouth in the Borders to Kirkwall in Orkney.
The mist is thought to take its name from an Old Norse word meaning cold sea fog or the Middle Dutch haren, referring to a cold, sharp wind – in parts of England it's also known as fret.
Caused by warm air from the land meeting colder ocean air, the phenomenon is most likely to occur between April and September. Getty Images The Haar is known to roll up the Firth of Forth, leading to dramatic scenes. Getty Images
The cold air just above the sea's surface cools the warm air until it can no longer hold its moisture.
This makes the warm air condense, which forms the fog that we see.
Haars usually burn off as the day goes on, with the sun's rays heating up the air again.
STV meteorologist Sean Batty said the Haar is common at this time of year and coincides with the colder temperatures in the east of the country.
'A sea breeze from the north is making the east coast cooler,' he said.
'On Tuesday, it was 12/13C on the east coast while it was in the mid-20Cs in the west.' Adobe Stock Haars usually burn off as the day goes on, with the sun's rays heating up the air Adobe Stock
The Met Office warns that the sudden onset of coastal fog can sometimes be dangerous, as it dramatically reduces visibility which could cause disorientation.
It can also affect industries such as shipping and oil platforms, and airports have had to ground flights.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
13 hours ago
- The National
Scotland weather: Yellow thunderstorms warning issued by Met Office
The weather service issued a warning for thunderstorms for Saturday, which could lead to some disruption. Starting from midnight, the warning is in place until 6pm and covers the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and part of the east coast, including Edinburgh. Scots in those areas have been warned to expect sudden flooding, strong winds, hail, thunder, and lightning strikes. READ MORE: New direct bus service from Scottish city to Heathrow Airport announced People living within the weather warning for Saturday have been told there could be power cuts along with delays and cancellations to train and bus services, while some roads could be closed due to flooding. The Met Office added that there is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater, which could cause danger to life. The weather service added that there is also a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail, or strong winds. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: 'By Friday afternoon and evening, heavy and thundery showers are likely to spread across southeastern England and East Anglia, tracking north-eastwards overnight. 'There is currently some uncertainty around the exact location and intensity of the thunderstorms, but there is a risk that some areas could see 30 to 50mm of rain, with a risk of even larger accumulations possible. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) 'With much of the rain falling in a short space of time there is a risk of impacts such as surface water flooding. 'Frequent lightning, gusty winds and hail could pose additional hazards. 'Updates to this warning are expected as confidence increases on the exact location of the greatest risk of the heaviest downpours.'
Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Weather expert reveals Scots set for warmest day of year at 25C – but the good times won't last
Thunderstorms are on the horizon in parts of the country HEAT IS ON Weather expert reveals Scots set for warmest day of year at 25C – but the good times won't last Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS could be basking in 25C temperatures this week - but the sunshine won't last as there are heavy downpours on the way. Several areas across the country have enjoyed sunny weather and blue skies over the past few days. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Scots could be basking in temperatures of around 25C this week Credit: Alamy 5 STV weatherman Sean Batty revealed that we could see the warmest day of the year so far Credit: Alamy 5 Parts of Scotland have seen bright sunshine and blue skies this week Credit: Michael Schofield And STV weatherman Sean Batty revealed that we could see the warmest day of the year so far. The mercury officially reached 22C yesterday in parts of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Renfrewshire. But some personal weather stations showed highs of 24C in Glasgow and Lanarkshire. Sean revealed that temperatures could rise even further today and Friday as mid-20s are likely. If any location manages to pass 25.5C then it would mark the warmest day of the year. May 13 is currently the hottest day in 2025 at both Tyndrum, Stirlingshire, and Auchincruive in Ayrshire. However, the warm weather is also bringing in rising humidity and muggy conditions. And there is a growing risk of heavy downpours and thunder and lightning. The worst of the stormy weather is expected across south England, but lightning and hailstones could push north. A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for parts of south west England, south Wales and Northern Ireland. Brits warned 'don't drink beer' as 42C African heat plume strikes Spain Rain could turn thundery in parts of Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and the Borders tonight. On Friday, temperatures are set to climb but there is a risk of showers in the west from Ayrshire to the Highlands - and these could also turn into thunderstorms. Saturday looks to be the most unsettled day, according to Sean. Scots are set to be hit with torrential downpours and thunderstorms - especially in central, southern, and eastern parts. 5 There is a growing risk of heavy downpours and thunder and lightning Credit: Alamy Some areas could even see 30mm of rain in just a few hours. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: "By Friday afternoon and evening, heavy and thundery showers are likely to spread across southeastern England and East Anglia, tracking north-eastwards overnight. "There is currently some uncertainty around the exact location and intensity of the thunderstorms, but there is a risk that some areas could see 30 to 50mm of rain, with a risk of even larger accumulations possible. "With much of the rain falling in a short space of time there is a risk of impacts such as surface water flooding. "Frequent lightning, gusty winds and hail could pose additional hazards. "Updates to this warning are expected as confidence increases on the exact location of the greatest risk of the heaviest downpours."
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
Will the Strawberry Moon be visible in Scotland?
Stargazers will have their eyes on the skies this evening as the Strawberry Full Moon rises in Scotland. June's full moon usually takes a lower path across the horizon, making it look larger than others. That's not all that's special about the Strawberry Moon, STV meteorologist Sean Batty said it will have a reddish hue due to aerosols being carried from wildfires on the other side of the Atlantic. As the moon hangs lower, the sun climbs higher, signalling the lead up to the summer solstice, which is just over a week away. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the Strawberry Moon gets its name from the harvest season observed by indigenous Americans. The moon signals the time of year that wild strawberries were harvested. Yes, most of the country will be able to see the moon thanks to the clear skies and fine weather. Sean Batty also said the clear skies are expected to last into the night, offering excellent conditions for moon gazing. The Moon rises in the east and sets in the west, and is expected to rise in Edinburgh at around 11.16pm. As the sun climbs higher in the sky in the lead-up to the summer solstice—just over a week away—the moon takes a lower path across the horizon. In June, the full moon appears at its lowest point in the sky, while the sun reaches its highest, coinciding with peak UV levels. Tonight's Strawberry Moon will grace the skies, and thanks to the fine weather we've had today, much of the country should have a clear view. Those clear skies are expected to last into the night for many, offering excellent conditions for moon gazing. I think there's also a chance the moon may take on a reddish hue due to aerosols being carried from wildfires on the other side of the Atlantic, along with a touch of Saharan dust—together potentially creating a beautiful, slightly surreal tint to this already special full moon. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
