June gloom

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You may think Southern California is sunny and cheerful, especially in the early summer months of May and June.

But live here for a while, and you'll learn about the phenomenon we call June Gloom.

Desert air, heating up 100 miles east of us, rises up and causes a pressure pull, sucking cold marine air from the north. They mingle and condense, causing the grey coastal fog we call the Marine Layer.

June mornings in Topanga are often foggy and chill. Sometimes when I walk Jack to the viewpoint at the end of our street, I can see the fog holding lower in the canyon.


When I drive down the Coast Highway, sometimes you can't see the Santa Monica skyline, or the Pier, or the line of palm trees atop the Palisades bluff because the fog is so thick.


Often, the late morning sun will burn off the fog. But sometimes, down at the beach, even if the mist burns off, a high haze remains, or wispy chaotic clouds.


A breeze blows. Sometimes the sand hazes across the road. Hold onto your napkin if you sit at a beachside cafe.

Sailboats on the Pacific far out in the waves - the winds are brisk. Better bring a sweater.

June is always like this. We call it June Gloom.