What weather phenomenon often occurs in conjunction with an inversion?

Inversions occur when a layer of warm air traps cooler air below it, disrupting the normal vertical temperature gradient in the atmosphere. This can lead to a number of weather phenomena. One of the most common occurrences with temperature inversions is the formation of fog.

When the air near the ground cools down, typically during the night, it can reach a point where it can't hold all the moisture it contains, leading to condensation and the development of fog. This is especially prevalent in valleys or areas where cool air can settle. Inversely, this layer of warmer air prevents the fog from dissipating during the day, maintaining lower visibility conditions.

Other weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms, hail, or heat waves, are less directly associated with inversions. Thunderstorms require significant upward motion, which is restricted during stable conditions like inversions. Hail is often produced in severe storms, which contrarily thrive in unstable air. Heat waves are usually associated with high pressure and extensive sunshine, not temperature inversions that create stagnant air conditions.