New Jersey Drivers: Fog May Affect Today’s Evening Commute
JERSEY CITY, NJ - JANUARY 13: Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center are shrouded in fog as the sun rises in New York City on January 13, 2024, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
Ah fog! I live on a hill which makes for a foggy drive to work as the warm air and the colder mountain air kiss in the overnight. Be prepared to allow extra travel today because the morning and evening commute is supposed to consist of fog. According to the National Weather Service, we can expect light rain and fog today. The good news is, it will warm up to 50 degrees. Not bad for winter, so we really can not complain!
Today especially, my ride in dizzied me like I was on a merry-go-round in the park as a kid. Usually, the fog dissipates by the time I reach Exit 15 on Rt 78. Today the fog decided to stick with me for my entire trip on 78 and most of 287. The driving conditions of the fog were enhanced by the situation of trucks riding in the far left lane. All these factors made the ride to work challenging for not only me but for other drivers on the road.
I notice when the roadways become more hazardous, the truck drivers decide to take over the far left lane for whatever reason. I guess they think we do not need to slow our speed to due to poor visibility. Can I just shout to those speeding along “Slow down and increase the distance to the vehicle in front of you to account for the limited visibility! No one wants you crashing into them!” It was difficult enough to see the signage for the exits and mile markers. I felt like I needed to navigate my drive with the assistance of Braille instead of my map app.
When I am not driving in the fog, I have to say that I can appreciate its beauty. Fog can create such serene, atmospheric landscapes. It can be so picture-perfect as it rolls through the treetops. It is especially scenic hovering over bridges and water. If I were a photographer, taking pictures of fog would be my dream. The interplay of light and mist creates a unique ambiance not only for real-life pictures, but we see it in movies too. As inconvenient and dangerous as fog is for driving, fog transforms ordinary landscapes and softens the edges of the world to give you the feeling of serenity. Embrace the foggy days and drive safely.
10 Most Beautiful Areas in America for Fall Colors
The fall season is a glorious time in America. From coast to coast, many different areas off beautiful fall colors in radiant reds, oranges and yellows. So, what are the most beautiful spots in America for fall colors?
Peak fall foliage season is different based on where you are located. Some areas of the U.S. see fall colors as early as September, while others peak later on, such as in October or even November. Generally speaking, areas with longer winters will have earlies fall colors, and areas with longer summers will have later fall colors. Most of America hits peak fall foliage season in the month of October. Of course, areas bordering Canada will be the first to see those colors.
If you’re wondering the science behind the fall colors, the color that the leaves become depends on a few factors. Those include the chlorophyll and weather conditions during the summer or fall. Chlorophyll is a pigment that aids in giving leaves their color. In general, big changes from the norm in precipitation, whether it’s getting way too much rain or not enough, can really impact the fall foliage season.
Also, I remember last year, the radiant colors in my area fell off the trees early. The reason was that we had a wind storm come through, so the leaves fell prematurely. I was pretty upset about it, because not only do I like to see beautiful fall colors, I also like to paint fall colors. So, my muse was gone.
That said, if you are in the mood to view fall colors this year, here are some great places to do it. Read on for 10 Beautiful spots in America for fall colors. What are your favorite areas to see fall foliage? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know.
Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.
