Columbus, Ohio – Drivers across central and southern Ohio faced a slow and dangerous commute early Friday as dense fog reduced visibility to less than half a mile in many areas. The National Weather Service placed the region under a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 a.m., warning that conditions could quickly change and create hazards for motorists.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, fog blanketed portions of east central Indiana, northeast Kentucky, and a wide stretch of Ohio, including Columbus, Dayton, Chillicothe, and Lancaster. Reduced visibility, at times approaching zero, made highways like I-70, I-71, and U.S. 33 particularly risky for early morning drivers.
Emergency managers urged caution, advising drivers to slow down, use headlights, and allow extra stopping distance when traveling. School buses and morning commuters were expected to see the greatest impacts before conditions improved mid-morning.
Once the fog lifts, Ohio is in for a stretch of sunny, warmer-than-average days heading into the weekend. Highs are expected to reach the low 80s across Columbus, with mostly clear skies lasting through Monday.
The fog advisory expires by late morning, but officials warn drivers to remain alert for patchy fog in river valleys and rural areas during the next few nights.
Five Day Forecast for Columbus, Ohio
- Friday: Dense fog before 9 a.m., then mostly sunny, high near 79. Low 58.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 81. Low 57.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 83. Low 59.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 83. Low 61.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 77. Low 58.
