Sacramento, CA – Drivers across Sacramento and California’s Central Valley should use caution early Sunday morning, as dense valley fog may significantly reduce visibility during the start of the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, areas of fog are expected to develop overnight and persist into Sunday morning, with visibility dropping below one-half mile in some locations. The highest fog potential is centered around Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and surrounding valley communities.
Forecasters say high pressure and dry weather settling over the region are creating ideal conditions for overnight fog formation, particularly during the early morning hours around sunrise. Some locations could experience locally dense fog, making travel hazardous on highways and rural roads.
The greatest impacts are expected before 8 or 9 a.m. Sunday, when fog may be thickest. Conditions should gradually improve later in the morning as temperatures rise and fog lifts.
The National Weather Service urges motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when driving in fog. Sudden visibility changes are possible, especially near rivers, open farmland, and low-lying areas common throughout the Central Valley.
While no storms or precipitation are expected, officials note that fog-related crashes are a leading winter hazard in the valley due to rapidly changing visibility over short distances.
Communities potentially affected include Sacramento, Elk Grove, Davis, Woodland, Stockton, Modesto, and Merced, along with surrounding rural areas.
Residents should continue monitoring local forecasts, as additional foggy mornings are possible over the next several days.
