Springfield, IL – Dense fog settled across central Illinois early Saturday, sharply reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions along key highways before sunrise. The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory for Peoria, Springfield, Jacksonville, and nearby communities through 9 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the advisory covers Mason, Menard, Peoria, Sangamon, Tazewell, Cass, Fulton, Morgan, Schuyler, and Scott counties, where visibility has dropped below a half mile in many rural and river valley areas. Motorists on Interstates 55, 72, and 474 should expect sudden visibility drops, especially near low-lying terrain and open fields.
The Illinois Department of Transportation urged drivers to slow down, use headlights, and allow extra following distance. Morning school routes and early weekend travel could be affected, with patchy fog lingering into mid-morning before clearing under rising sun.
Forecasters say a cooler, quiet fall pattern will follow through the weekend, with overnight lows dipping into the 40s and light winds promoting additional fog risk early Sunday. Motorists are advised to remain alert for changing visibility during the pre-dawn hours both Saturday and Sunday.
By late afternoon, skies are expected to turn partly sunny with mild temperatures near seasonal norms. No rainfall is expected through early next week.
