California drivers in the southern San Joaquin Valley start the day under a gray, muted sky as dense fog hugs roads and neighborhoods around Hanford. Headlights glow through the haze, and visibility drops quickly in low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service, patchy dense fog persists through the morning hours, with visibility occasionally falling below a half-mile. Calm winds and high humidity allow fog to linger, especially near rural roads, farmland, and canal crossings.
Morning temperatures hover in the low-to-mid 40s, keeping conditions chilly but above freezing. While no frost or freeze is expected, the combination of moisture and cool air creates slick pavement in shaded spots. Drivers should be especially cautious on Highway 198, Highway 43, and local county roads where fog thickens suddenly.
As the day progresses, fog gradually lifts. Partial sunshine develops by midday, with highs near 45 degrees. Tonight, fog redevelops again after sunset, repeating the cycle into Thursday morning.
Looking ahead, the next few days stay quiet but wintry in feel. Patchy fog continues each morning through Friday, while afternoons remain mild and dry. By the weekend, a small chance of rain appears, hinting at a more active pattern returning to California.
For those planning Christmas travel, early departures may face fog-related delays across the Valley. While no storms are imminent, winter driving habits matter now. Reduced visibility remains one of the leading causes of seasonal crashes.
What you can do now:
Slow down. Use low-beam headlights. Leave extra following distance.
Five-Day Outlook for Hanford, CA
- Today: Patchy dense fog, high 45
- Thursday: Morning fog, high 46
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 46
- Saturday: Slight rain chance, high 57
- Sunday: Chance of rain, high 60
