California – Headlights glow softly through thick gray air as drivers inch along Valley roads, with visibility shrinking block by block. Dense winter fog has settled in again, creating hazardous travel conditions across parts of the San Joaquin Valley this morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until late morning. Visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less at times, with pockets as low as 200 feet. Calm winds and saturated air have allowed fog to thicken near highways, rural roads, and city streets.
The greatest impacts are expected along Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Routes 41, 43, and 198. Sudden visibility drops can catch drivers off guard, especially near intersections and open farmland. Motorists are urged to slow down, use headlights, and increase following distance through mid-morning.
Fog gradually lifts late this morning, though low clouds may linger into early afternoon. Once skies brighten, temperatures climb into the low 60s, offering a mild winter afternoon. Conditions improve noticeably by mid-day, creating a safer window for errands and travel.
Fog redevelops again tonight and into Saturday morning. Similar patterns are expected through the weekend, with dense fog mainly during early hours, then partial clearing each afternoon. Saturday reaches the low 60s again, while Sunday turns partly sunny with highs near 62.
MLK Day Monday looks quieter. Partly sunny skies return, with highs near 61 and calmer travel conditions by afternoon. Even so, winter mornings remain cold, allowing fog to reform late at night and before sunrise.
Looking ahead, dry weather holds into midweek, though repeated fog cycles continue. Plan extra time for morning drives and avoid sudden lane changes in low visibility. Driving through the fog today? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Hanford, California
- Today: Dense fog early, then partial clearing, high near 61
- Saturday: Morning fog, then partly sunny, high near 63
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 62
- MLK Day Monday: Partly sunny, high near 61
- Tuesday: Morning fog possible, partly sunny, high near 63
