California begins the morning wrapped in gray. Streetlights glow through haze. Headlights fade into a wall of fog. Driving conditions feel uncertain before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. across Los Angeles County beaches, downtown Los Angeles, and nearby inland coastal areas. Visibility may drop to one-quarter mile or less, creating hazardous travel during the morning commute.
Drivers should expect sudden visibility changes on major routes, including I-5, I-10, I-405, and U.S. 101. Fog thickens quickly in low-lying areas and near the coast. Wet pavement and low visibility increase crash risk. Use headlights, slow down, and allow extra stopping distance.
At the same time, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect across much of Southern California. A mandatory wood-burning ban is active due to elevated particle pollution levels. Smoke trapped near the surface can worsen breathing conditions, especially for children, seniors, and those with asthma.
Temperatures stay mild today, climbing into the low 70s once fog clears. Skies brighten late morning, offering a warm December afternoon. To be fair, the calm weather also helps fog redevelop at night. Patchy fog returns late tonight and early Thursday, especially near the coast and valleys.
Looking ahead to Friday, December 19, sunny and warmer conditions dominate. However, nighttime fog remains a recurring concern as Christmas travel increases. Early-morning drivers should continue planning extra time through the weekend.
What to do this morning:
Delay travel if possible. Use low-beam headlights. Avoid sudden lane changes. Skip wood burning. Limit outdoor activity if air quality feels poor.
Five-Day Outlook for Los Angeles, CA
- Today: Dense fog early, sunny later, high near 71
- Thursday: Sunny, warmer, high near 81
- Friday: Sunny, mild, high near 77
- Saturday: Patchy fog early, sunny, high near 71
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 71
