Bismarck, ND – Dense fog is blanketing central and northwest North Dakota this morning, reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less and creating hazardous travel conditions for commuters in Bismarck, Minot, Rugby, and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Burleigh, Kidder, Emmons, Logan, McIntosh, Williams, Divide, Ward, McLean, and other counties until 10 a.m. CDT Tuesday. Key travel routes—including U.S. Highway 83, Interstate 94 near Steele and Bismarck, and state roads around Minot and Rugby—are reporting sharply limited visibility. Drivers in Ashley, Strasburg, and Tappen should plan for extra travel time and leave plenty of space between vehicles.
Low visibility has already slowed traffic along major corridors, raising the risk of accidents. The North Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists to slow down, use headlights, and avoid sudden stops. If possible, delay non-essential travel until the advisory expires. School bus routes and morning deliveries may also face delays, especially near Linton and Wishek.
This is the third dense fog event in the region this summer, highlighting the pattern of cool overnight air mixing with lingering humidity. Rapid clearing is expected by late morning, but patchy fog could return to low-lying areas overnight.
Drivers should monitor updates from the National Weather Service, as additional advisories may be issued if fog lingers or redevelops.
