California – Headlights fade into gray, taillights appear without warning, and familiar farm roads vanish into mist as dense fog blankets the San Joaquin Valley on New Year’s Eve. Visibility has dropped sharply across central California, setting a hazardous tone for travel as 2026 approaches.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through late morning across much of the San Joaquin Valley. Visibility has fallen to one quarter mile or less in areas including Hanford, Visalia, Fresno, Merced, Madera, and Delano, creating dangerous driving conditions during early travel hours.
In Kings County and surrounding communities, fog has been thickest along Highway 198, Highway 41, and rural connector roads where moisture lingers near fields and canals. With temperatures hovering in the low to mid 40s, patchy mist and damp pavement may also reduce traction, especially on bridges and shaded stretches.
Fog gradually lifts later today, but clouds remain in place. Rain chances increase into New Year’s Day, with showers developing and lingering into Friday. While snow and freezing rain are not expected locally, cooler mornings combined with wet roads could still slow commutes and holiday travel.
By Friday and into the first weekend of 2026, periodic rain keeps roads slick across the valley. Visibility issues may redevelop during overnight and early morning hours, especially in low-lying areas. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra stopping distance.
Additional advisories could be issued if fog thickens again. Traveling early or heading out for New Year’s plans? Share where visibility was lowest during your drive.
Five-Day Outlook for Hanford, California
• Today: Dense fog early, then mostly cloudy; highs near 51
• New Year’s Day: Cloudy with showers likely; highs near 59
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance; highs near 58
• Saturday: Rain likely, cooler feel; highs near 58
• Sunday: Periods of rain, mostly cloudy; highs near 55
