Glasgow, Montana – Dense freezing fog has developed across portions of northeast Montana overnight, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting a Dense Fog Advisory through late Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, the advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Friday for central and southern Phillips County and Garfield County, where the most persistent fog has been observed. Visibility has dropped to near zero at times, particularly along low-lying areas and open roadways.
In addition to reduced visibility, freezing fog is causing frost accumulation on exposed surfaces, including roadways, bridges, and overpasses. This combination significantly increases the risk of slick travel conditions, especially during the early morning commute.
Patchy freezing fog is also expected across the remainder of northeast Montana this morning, meaning hazardous conditions may extend beyond the advisory area at times. Motorists traveling along U.S. Highway 2, U.S. Highway 191, Montana Highway 24, and Montana Highway 13 should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility and isolated icy patches.
The National Weather Service advises drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights while traveling through fog. Sudden visibility reductions are possible, even within short distances, making cautious driving essential.
Temperatures remain cold enough for fog droplets to freeze on contact, allowing frost to continue forming until fog dissipates later this morning. Conditions are expected to gradually improve as fog lifts toward late morning, though some localized slick spots may linger.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor local road conditions and allow extra travel time. Those in rural areas and river valleys may experience the densest fog.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates as needed. Drivers should remain alert through the morning hours, particularly along major highways and exposed stretches of road.
