Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers across the Midwest woke up to dangerously dense fog blanketing roads from central Iowa through Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri Monday morning, leading to visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less and hazardous travel conditions through at least 9 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service, Dense Fog Advisories remain in effect until 9 a.m. CDT for key corridors in southeastern Iowa—including Chariton, Knoxville, Ottumwa, and Grinnell—along with major stretches in central and northeast Missouri, such as Columbia, Jefferson City, Lake Ozark, and Hannibal. Central and west-central Illinois, including Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, and Shelbyville, are under advisories until 10 a.m. CDT, while Lafayette and Kokomo in Indiana face similar conditions through 9 a.m. EDT.
Major interstates including I-35, I-70, I-55, I-74, and US-63 are impacted, with rapid changes in visibility possible, especially near river valleys and open fields. The National Weather Service cautions that low visibility could lead to traffic accidents and sudden slowdowns. If driving, motorists are urged to slow down, switch on headlights, and leave extra space between vehicles. School districts in the affected areas may delay morning bus routes.
This widespread fog event marks one of the most significant mid-July visibility threats in recent years, with similar advisories stretching from northern Missouri to west-central Indiana. Residents are encouraged to allow extra time for their morning commute and avoid non-essential travel until the fog lifts.
Dense Fog Advisories are set to expire by mid-morning, but local weather offices may issue additional alerts if conditions persist. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service for the latest updates.
