News Summary

A stunning fog phenomenon, termed a ‘fog tsunami,’ was recently filmed in South Haven, MI, as thick fog swept over Lake Michigan. Local photographer Scott Johnson documented the remarkable scene with time-lapse footage, highlighting the interplay of warm and cold air creating dense fog. The event was amplified by a nearby thunderstorm, serving as a visual reminder of the dynamic nature of weather systems. Alerts for severe weather were issued by the National Weather Service, warning over 87 million people of potential thunderstorms and hazardous conditions.

South Haven, MI – A dramatic natural phenomenon, resembling a “fog tsunami,” was captured on video near the shoreline of Lake Michigan in South Haven, MI. The remarkable time-lapse footage was recorded by a local photographer as thick fog engulfed the area on Wednesday evening.

The video, produced by Scott Johnson of Radiant Landscapes Photography, showcases the intense movement of fog rolling in over the chilly waters of Lake Michigan, where temperatures hovered around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Johnson experienced a stroke of luck with this captivating scene, which attracted attention for its surreal and almost cinematic quality.

The development of the dense fog was a result of high dew point air mixing with the cold waters of Lake Michigan. As moist, warm air moved over the cooler lake surface, dense fog formed and spread quickly across the shoreline. The unusual weather conditions were partly influenced by a sizable, isolated thunderstorm developing east of South Haven at the time of the video recording.

Johnson suggested that the phenomenon experienced could have been exacerbated by cold air outflow from the nearby thunderstorm. This outflow interacted with the existing marine layer fog, playing a key role in shaping the dramatic fog movements observed in the video.

In the wake of these weather events, the National Weather Service based in Grand Rapids issued alerts for expected thunderstorms and strong winds across the region. The forecast predicted perilous weather conditions for the following day, including risks of hail and intense storms spreading from the Upper Midwest to the mid-Atlantic states.

Over 87 million people across several states were identified as being at risk for severe weather. Areas at most significant risk included Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. This warning indicated a broad swath of potentially dangerous weather, drawing attention to the importance of staying informed and prepared.

The “fog tsunami” phenomenon, while visually stunning, served as a reminder of the powerful interplay between air and water temperatures and the complexity of weather systems. Such occurrences highlight the dynamic nature of weather, particularly in locales near large bodies of water like Lake Michigan, where the effects of changing meteorological conditions can manifest rapidly and dramatically.

As scientists and meteorologists continue to study these weather interactions, events like those captured in South Haven can foster greater understanding of the atmospheric phenomena that can create mesmerizing, yet sometimes hazardous, natural displays.

This awe-inspiring event also serves as a reminder for those in the proximity of the lake to remain cautious and educated about the weather systems that can affect their daily lives.