HANFORD, Calif. – Drivers across California’s San Joaquin Valley will wake up to dense fog Friday morning, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile in some areas. The National Weather Service warns that travel could become hazardous along Highway 99 and rural roadways from Merced to Visalia between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, the fog will expand rapidly after sunrise, reducing visibility to near zero in spots. Motorists are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance from other vehicles. The dense fog advisory includes Fresno, Lemoore, Hanford, Porterville, and Tulare, where traffic delays and slowdowns are expected during the morning commute.
By midday Friday, the fog will lift, giving way to clear skies and a stretch of warm, sunny days across the Valley. Weekend temperatures will hover in the upper 70s to near 80°F, perfect for fall events, outdoor markets, and early pumpkin patch visits. Despite the sunny afternoons, cool early mornings will persist, keeping patchy fog possible near farmlands and riverbeds through early next week.
Residents should remain cautious in rural areas where dense fog tends to settle, particularly near orchards, canals, and low-lying intersections.
Five-Day Forecast for Hanford, California:
- Friday: Dense fog early, then sunny. High near 73°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, high around 77°F.
- Sunday: Clear skies, high near 79°F.
- Monday: Sunny and calm, high near 78°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 74°F.
