Fresno, California – Dense fog is creating hazardous travel conditions across parts of California’s San Joaquin Valley Monday morning, prompting a Dense Fog Advisory for several counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Monday for mainly northern portions of the San Joaquin Valley. Visibilities have dropped to as low as one-quarter mile in some locations, creating a moderate transportation risk for morning commuters.
In Fresno, Visalia, Madera, Merced, and Hanford, fog has significantly reduced visibility on major travel routes, including Highway 99, Interstate 5, Highway 152, and Highway 180. The advisory highlights an elevated risk for sudden visibility drops, particularly in low-lying and rural areas where fog can thicken rapidly.
The National Weather Service urges motorists to take precautions while traveling in foggy conditions. Recommended safety measures include slowing down, using low-beam headlights, and increasing following distance to allow for sudden stops. Drivers are also cautioned to watch for stopped or slow-moving vehicles that may not be visible until close range.
The advisory categorizes the fog event as high likelihood, with impacts most pronounced during the early morning commute. Visibility may fluctuate, improving briefly before worsening again in localized areas.
No precipitation was associated with the fog, but forecasters stress that reduced visibility alone can significantly increase the risk of traffic incidents. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Monday morning as fog lifts.
Commuters, agricultural workers, and commercial drivers are most affected during the advisory period. Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time and monitor updates from the National Weather Service before heading out.
