California – Headlights glow faintly through thick gray fog across the Sacramento Valley this morning, as cold air settles near the ground and visibility collapses quickly. The chill bites early, and the final Monday of 2025 begins with layered winter hazards already in motion.
The National Weather Service has issued both a Dense Fog Advisory and a Frost Advisory for Sacramento and surrounding valley communities. Early morning temperatures hover near 35 degrees, with pockets dipping colder. Visibility may fall to a quarter mile or less through mid-morning, especially along I-5, Highway 99, and rural delta roads.
Drivers should expect sudden visibility drops before 9 a.m. Slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights. Bridges and shaded surfaces may develop slick spots where frost forms on damp pavement. To be fair, conditions improve gradually after fog lifts, but the morning commute remains the most hazardous window.
By late morning, sunshine returns and temperatures climb into the low 50s. Dry weather continues into Tuesday, with calmer travel conditions during the day. Cold nights persist, though, keeping patchy fog and frost possible during early hours.
Attention then turns to midweek plans. Clouds increase Wednesday as weather patterns shift. Rain chances rise late Wednesday night, setting the stage for a wet New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Thursday. While no snow is expected in the valley, wet roads and lingering fog could complicate holiday travel into the first days of 2026.
Nationwide, winter storms and Arctic air dominate headlines. In Northern California, winter arrives quietly but persistently. Fog, frost, and low visibility become the primary threats this week, especially for early travelers.
More updates may follow as rain chances increase. Driving this morning or traveling for New Year’s? Tell us what visibility looks like where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
Monday: Dense fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 53
Monday Night: Fog possible, low near 38
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 48
Wednesday: Chance of rain late, high near 48
Thursday: Rain likely, high near 54
