Fogging conditions being observed in the Bay of Plenty this week are being put down to Vog.

Vog is volcanic fog – a weather phenomenon that sees sulphur-based volcanic gases mix with atmospheric moisture to form an aerosol.

A number of people have taken to social media in the past 24 hours wondering why there has been such 'fogging” conditions in the BOP.

In a statement about increased gas emissions and lake levels at Whakaari/White Island, GeoNet says cloudy and humid weather conditions are allowing spectacular steam and gas plumes to be seen above the island, but also the weather is often obscuring views from the coast.

Steam and gas plume above White Island/Whakaari on Nov 7, 7.30 pm NZDT.

The volcanic monitoring organisation has since taken to Twitter to explain Vog conditions further.

'Weather mentioned in our Whakaari/White Island volcano update have combined with a developing sea fog in the Bay of Plenty to create a phenomena known as Vog (volcanic fog),” reads the tweet.

'The light northerly winds are driving this onshore, there has not been an eruption to produce this.

'A VOG can be unpleasant producing watery eyes and a stinging sensation. Those with a respiratory health issues should be cautious. See health advice here: https://ivhhn.org/information”