Heatwave causes spectacular fogbank as blast of hot air creates thick low-lying cloud over the sea

It appeared at first like someone might have placed a huge barrier across the water off the coast of Britain.
But this stunning photograph shows the unusual formation of a 'fogbank', which is a thick cloud of fog seen over the sea, off Land's End in Cornwall.
The strange weather event, captured on camera on Friday at about midday, was caused by moisture in the air above the resort at the end of another hot day that saw temperatures rise as high as 91F (33C) in England. 
An astonishing cloud bank of mist photographed over the sea at Land's End in Cornwall at midday on Friday
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An astonishing cloud bank of mist photographed over the sea at Land's End in Cornwall at midday on Friday
Known as advection fog, the phenomenon occurs when warm, moist air blows over colder water or air. This causes the hotter air to rapidly cool, forming water vapour that shapes into a vast invisible wall of condensation.
The invisible water vapour condenses, forming a 'fogbank' - a dense mass of fog typically seen at sea. The meeting of the two different air pressures meant the bank stagnated last week, allowing it to maintain its shape.
The picture was posted on Instagram, with user 'chefinmyhomecornwall' saying: 'Remember this happening whiles surfing down Gwynver a while back, spooky and stunning.'
John George added: 'Yes, beautiful, I witnessed something similar on the east coast - Bempton cliffs. You have to be there to fully appreciate, great photo.'
A Met Office spokesman said forecasters confirmed to MailOnline today that the formation was a 'very well-defined fogbank', having studied satellite pictures and observations from the area.
Temperatures could potentially peak at 93F (34C) in Essex or Norfolk tomorrow, after a balmy weekend where the hottest temperature yesterday was 86.4F (30.2C) recorded in Northolt, West London.
However, not all of the UK will be gazing into clear blue skies - because much of Scotland and Northern Ireland will start the week with some rain.
England and Wales are to stay generally dry and warmer, with the exception of possible thunderstorms across the South East on Tuesday. And maximum temperatures are likely to dip to the mid-70Fs (mid-20Cs) by Wednesday.
It comes amid a sweltering European heatwave, with holidaymakers in Portugal and Spain feeling the brunt of the sun. The mercury is being pushed up by a hot air mass moving north from Africa, bringing dust from the Sahara.

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