Saturday, September 13, 2025

The June Glooms in Southern and Northern California can extend from April to October now in many places along the coast

 

June Gloom refers to the marine-layer-driven overcast and cool weather with fog that affects coastal Southern California in late spring and early summer. It is caused by cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean becoming trapped beneath a layer of warm air (a temperature inversion), creating a "lid" of low clouds. This phenomenon typically lasts through the mornings before burning off to reveal sunny skies in the afternoon, with similar weather patterns also known as "May Gray" and extending into other months with names like "Fogust".  
Key characteristics
  • Overcast skies: Expect gray, overcast skies with fog and drizzle. 

  • Cool temperatures: Coastal areas experience cool, mild temperatures, while inland areas may be significantly warmer. 

  • Morning phenomenon: The clouds typically burn off by mid-morning or early afternoon, leading to sunny skies later in the day. 

  • Geographic location: It primarily affects the coast and inland valleys of Southern California. 

    Causes
    • Marine layer: A layer of cool, moist air forms over the Pacific Ocean. 

  • Temperature inversion: A layer of warm air sits above the cool, moist marine layer, acting as a lid that traps the clouds near the surface. 

  • Winds: Winds draw this cool marine layer inland. 

  • Topography: Local mountains can sometimes trap the clouds in valleys, extending the duration of the cloudy conditions. 

    Impact
    • Coastal benefit:
      Provides a cooling effect on the coast, offering relief from the heat common in inland areas during the summer months. 

  • Agricultural impact:
    Affects crops, with growers needing to adapt to the cool, cloudy conditions. 

  • Cultural significance:
    It's a well-known and anticipated weather pattern in the region, with local media often referring to the phenomenon with playful names like "May Gray" and "No-Sky July". 

    • June Gloom - Wikipedia
      The overcast skies often are accompanied by fog and drizzle, though usually not rain. June Gloom usually clears up between mid-mor...
      Wikipedia

  • What's the Science Behind June Gloom? - YouTube
    Jun 4, 2025 — well California it's here june gloom season is upon us while this may be a welcome phenomenon before the onslaught of h...
    YouTube · 
    Scripps Oceanography
  • What is 'June gloom' and how does it affect Southern California?
    AccuWeather
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