California — Headlights fade into gray just a few car lengths ahead as dense fog blankets the valley. Streetlights glow softly, and taillights blur into red smears across damp pavement.
A Dense Fog Weather Alert remains in effect across the Sacramento region through midday. Visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less in spots, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute. Calm winds and saturated air have allowed fog to thicken and spread quickly.
Drivers across I-5, I-80, Highway 99, and surrounding surface roads should slow down and increase following distance. Sudden visibility drops are likely near rivers, open fields, and low-lying roadways. To be fair, conditions may look clearer block to block, but fog can return instantly.
Temperatures sit in the mid-40s early, holding steady until fog begins to lift. By late morning, sunshine gradually breaks through, improving visibility. Highs reach the upper 50s this afternoon, offering a mild winter day once fog clears.
Tonight brings another round of patchy fog after sunset as skies remain mostly cloudy. Lows dip into the low 40s, setting the stage for repeat issues Friday morning. Meteorologists are watching closely, since persistent moisture keeps fog risks elevated.
Friday starts with more dense fog, especially before 9 a.m. Travel impacts may again be significant. Conditions improve by late morning, followed by mostly cloudy skies and highs near 58.
Saturday trends brighter and warmer. Mostly cloudy skies give way to filtered sunshine, with highs climbing into the low 60s. Saturday night stays calm, and patchy fog remains possible.
Sunday stays mild and dry, with highs near 60. Morning fog cannot be ruled out, but widespread issues appear less likely.
Looking into early February, dry weather continues and temperatures gradually rise. Still, winter fog season remains active across the valley.
Driving this morning? Tell us how visibility looks on your route.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
Today: Dense fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 58
Friday: Dense fog early, mostly cloudy, high near 58
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, warmer, high near 61
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 60
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 61
