SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Patchy fog could develop across portions of California’s Valley on Thursday morning, potentially dropping visibility to under a half-mile in spots and slowing the commute, forecasters said.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, there is potential for patchy fog development Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, across parts of the Valley. The agency urged drivers to slow down and use low-beam headlights when encountering reduced visibility.
Forecasters highlighted the possibility of localized pockets where visibility could fall below 0.5 miles, a threshold that can quickly make driving hazardous, especially on high-speed corridors and near interchanges. Fog can also form unevenly, meaning clear stretches of road may be followed by sudden low-visibility areas.
The weather service’s visibility outlook showed elevated probabilities of sub–half-mile visibility in several Valley locations Thursday morning, including around Sacramento and farther south in the Valley. Officials emphasized that conditions can change rapidly and may vary neighborhood to neighborhood.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra following distance, avoid sudden braking, and be cautious at on-ramps and off-ramps where speed changes and lane merges increase the risk of crashes in fog. Low-beam headlights are recommended because high beams can reflect off fog and reduce visibility further.
For students, young workers, and commuters heading out early Thursday, the fog risk may coincide with the morning rush, when traffic volumes are higher and delays can compound quickly.
The National Weather Service advised residents to monitor updated forecasts and road conditions before leaving home, particularly if traveling during the early morning hours. If fog becomes dense, drivers should reduce speed, stay in their lane, and use roadway markings as guides.
