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⚖ Weather · PHAK Chapter 12, Weather TheoryWX-022 · 125 of 261

When the temperature and dew point spread is 4°F (2°C) or less, what weather condition becomes likely?

AClear skies and good visibility due to low moisture content.
BFog, low clouds, or precipitation as the air approaches saturation.
CHigh winds and turbulence due to atmospheric instability.

Why →The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated (100% relative humidity) and condensation begins. When the temperature-dew point spread narrows to 4°F (2°C) or less, the air is near saturation. Further cooling from overnight radiation, advection, or uplift will cause condensation as fog, low clouds, or precipitation.

The trap →A small spread means nearly saturated air, the opposite of dry. High winds and turbulence come from instability, not saturation.

Field note →METARs always include temperature/dew point (e.g., "18/16" = 18°C temp, 16°C dew point, only 2°C spread). This close spread means fog or low ceilings are likely if temperatures drop overnight. One of the fastest weather reads you can do from a METAR.

SOURCE → PHAK Chapter 12, Weather TheoryCHECKED JUL 16ACS III.A.K1MED