Eerie sea fog looms over Sydney coastline

Sydney beachgoers have been confronted by ominous-looking sea fog on Monday afternoon — and it’s not likely to disappear anytime soon.

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Sydney beachgoers have been confronted by ominous-looking sea fog on Monday afternoon — and it’s not likely to disappear anytime soon.

Sea fog engulfs the Northern Beaches at Manly Beach. Picture: (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

As of 1.30pm the sea fog had been seen across much of the northern beaches, but also further south, in Bondi.

Lifeguards have temporarily closed Manly Beach due to the fog.

The fog at Manly Beach at 1.30pm on Monday. Picture: Robbie Patterson.

Afternoon fog at Bondi Beach. Pic: AAP Image/ Monique Harmer

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Katarina Kovacevic said a number factors contributed to the afternoon sea fog.

She said southerly winds in the morning later turned south-easterly, pushing the offshore fog further towards the coastline.

Sea fog engulfs the Northern Beaches at Manly Harbour Beach. Picture: (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

Sea fog at Bondi. Picture: AAP Image/ Monique Harmer

Ms Kovacevic said the high level of humidity in recent days had contributed to the increased fog.

“It’s more common to see sea fog later in summer and early autumn,” she said.

“(But) it’s not uncommon to see it at this time of year if there are humid conditions.

“Now that it’s there it’s probably likely to stay there for a large part of the day.”

For more details go to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydney.shtml.