Hanford, CA – A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for much of the San Joaquin Valley through 10 a.m. Friday, with forecasters warning of dangerous visibility reductions that could drop as low as 800 feet in some areas. The National Weather Service in Hanford says the fog will create a high transportation risk early today, especially along major corridors.
According to the National Weather Service, dense fog will be most widespread across the central and southern San Joaquin Valley, including areas near Highway 99 and Interstate 5. The agency’s Experimental Fog Severity Index highlights a significant risk zone stretching from Merced southward through Fresno, Visalia, Tulare and Bakersfield.
Low visibility may cause slow or stopped traffic and sudden changes in driving conditions. Officials urge motorists to slow down, use low beam headlights, and leave extra space between vehicles. Travel delays are likely through the morning commute.
Some areas may experience pockets of extremely dense fog that develop quickly and reduce visibility in a matter of seconds. Drivers should be prepared for abrupt changes in traffic speed, especially near agricultural areas, river bottoms and low-lying terrain.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late this morning as temperatures rise, but lingering patches of fog may persist in colder rural locations.
Motorists are encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap and monitor NWS Hanford updates for the latest visibility reports and travel conditions.
