Pure moments
November 2024

November 2024 - Inversion weather situation

In autumn, inversion weather conditions often keep the valleys of Switzerland trapped in thick fog, while bright sunshine awaits in the mountains. A trip to higher altitudes therefore not only gives you sunshine, but also a fantastic view of the sea of fog below you.

November 2024 - Inversion weather situation
Inversion weather situation over the canton of Schwyz - only the highest peaks rise out of the sea of fog.

Imagine you're standing in the autumn fog, in a gray soup so thick that the world around you seems to disappear. But don't worry, you don't have to flee south immediately - because above you, hidden behind this thick layer of fog, bright sunshine awaits! The phenomenon that creates this contrast is called an inversion weather situation.

Inversion basically means a reversal of the normal air stratification. Normally, the higher you go, the colder it gets. But with an inversion weather situation, things are different: the cold, moist air is trapped like a lid at the bottom of the valley, while the warm, dry layer of air sits above it. The result? While the fog soup is stuck in the valley and shrouds the landscape in a cloudy grey, at higher altitudes it is usually cloudless and wonderfully sunny - or, as in our Pure Moments picture, wrapped in bright sunset colors.

This phenomenon is particularly common in fall and winter, when the nights are long and cool. The cold sinks into the valleys and is often “trapped” there by a high-pressure weather system. In the morning, people down in the fog often hope in vain that the sun might dispel it - but the inversion remains persistent.

A real insider tip is to simply escape to the mountains in such weather conditions! Even a short trip to higher altitudes, for example on a hike or a short mountain tour, will bring you into the sunshine and ensure a good mood and wonderful views of the blanket of fog below you. From there, the foggy layer looks almost like a soft, white cushion lying over the valleys.

So, next foggy morning, maybe it's time to get out of the sea of fog and into the sunshine! The inversion weather situation gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience autumn from its sunniest side - if you are prepared to simply change your perspective.

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About Falko Burghausen

Falko Burghausen
Falko elevates photography to an art form that goes beyond simple illustrations. His artistic vision allows him to capture the soul of the most impressive moments and transform them into timeless images. With an eye for detail and a sense of the beauty of the world, he creates images that evoke emotion and captivate the viewer. As Swiss Athletics-certified trail running guide, he is always spoiled for choice, because the camera equipment weighs too much to take with him on his runs in the mountains...
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