California – Headlights fade into a gray wall across the San Joaquin Valley this morning as dense tule fog blankets highways, fields, and city streets. Visibility drops suddenly, forcing drivers to slow as taillights disappear just ahead.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until noon across central California, including Hanford, Visalia, Fresno, Merced, and parts of Kern County. According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, visibility may fall below 200 feet, with pockets approaching zero at times. Calm winds and saturated air allow the fog to thicken near the ground.
Early temperatures hover in the mid-40s, keeping the fog firmly in place through the morning commute. Travel along Highway 99, Highway 198, and rural farm roads becomes especially risky, where sudden stops and low contrast increase crash potential. Wet pavement and lingering moisture also raise the risk of slick spots, especially near canals and low-lying areas.
Conditions should slowly improve by late morning as clouds lift and temperatures climb into the mid to upper 50s. To be fair, that clearing won’t last everywhere. Meteorologists note dense fog may redevelop quickly after sunset, returning visibility issues into the evening and overnight hours.
Drivers are urged to use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and leave extra distance between vehicles. Avoid sudden lane changes and watch for slow-moving farm equipment emerging from the fog.
Looking ahead, the broader pattern stays quiet but stagnant. Mild afternoons contrast with cool, fog-prone nights through midweek. Long-range outlooks suggest warmer-than-normal conditions later this month, though fog season remains firmly in control for now.
Are you seeing near-zero visibility where you live? Share what road conditions look like in your part of the valley.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Hanford, CA
Today: Dense fog early, gradual clearing, high near 56
Tuesday: Morning fog, mostly cloudy, high near 59
Wednesday: Cloudy, patchy fog, high near 61
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, mild, high near 61
Friday: Partly sunny, areas of morning fog, high near 59
