California – Headlights glow softly through thick fog across the San Joaquin Valley this morning, muting taillights and swallowing road signs. Travel feels slow and cautious early, and this quiet start marks the beginning of a wetter turn as the year winds down.
According to the National Weather Service, widespread fog lingers across Hanford and surrounding communities early Monday, with visibility reduced at times. Temperatures sit in the upper 40s now and climb only into the mid-40s to near 50 later today as clouds gradually thin.
Fog remains the main concern through the morning commute. Drivers along Highway 198, Highway 43, and nearby rural routes should expect sudden drops in visibility. Plan extra time and keep speeds down until fog lifts by late morning. Conditions calm briefly this afternoon, though skies stay mostly cloudy.
Tuesday turns cooler and gray, with highs near 49 degrees. Rain chances increase late Tuesday night, then rise sharply Wednesday. Showers become likely by afternoon, signaling a pattern shift just as New Year’s Eve plans begin. Wet pavement and low clouds may slow evening travel across Kings County.
Rain continues Wednesday night and into New Year’s Day Thursday, with steady showers possible at times. While flooding is not expected, repeated rainfall could lead to ponding on roads and reduced traction during peak holiday travel. Expect slower conditions for drivers heading toward Fresno, Visalia, or Bakersfield.
Nationally, a powerful winter storm drives snow, ice, and Arctic cold across much of the country. Here in the Central Valley, winter arrives more quietly. Fog first, then rain, then a damp start to 2026.
More updates may follow as rain chances increase. Are you seeing dense fog where you live this morning? Let us know how travel looks in your area.
Five Day Outlook for Hanford, California
Monday: Morning fog, then cloudy, high near 47
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 39
Tuesday: Cloudy, high near 49
Wednesday: Rain likely, high near 51
Thursday: Rain, high near 56
