California wakes under a gray veil as headlights glow through thick fog across the Sacramento Valley. Streetlights blur into halos, tail lights fade fast, and winter air feels heavy with moisture. Conditions are changing quickly, and visibility drops without warning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for Sacramento and surrounding communities through midday. Visibility may fall to one quarter mile or less, especially in low-lying areas near the Delta, rivers, and open farmland. Calm winds and saturated air allow fog to linger well into the morning.
Drivers along I-5, I-80, Highway 50, and Highway 99 face the greatest risk. Sudden visibility drops can make braking distances deceptive. Chain-reaction crashes become more likely in these conditions. Slow down, use low-beam headlights, and increase following distance.
Temperatures hover in the low 40s early, keeping moisture locked near the surface. As daylight strengthens, fog gradually thins late morning. Skies turn partly sunny this afternoon, with highs climbing near 61 degrees. To be fair, the afternoon feels calm and mild after the fog lifts.
Fog redevelops again tonight and early Saturday, repeating the pattern. Saturday starts murky, then clears to mostly cloudy skies with highs near 61. Sunday stays mostly cloudy and cooler, near 60, but widespread fog becomes less likely.
This setup reflects a classic winter pattern in the Central Valley. High pressure traps cold air at the surface while warmer air rides above it. That inversion keeps fog stubborn, especially during long January nights.
Plan extra time this morning if traveling. Expect sudden changes in visibility, even on familiar roads. Conditions may improve by midday, but winter fog remains a recurring risk through the weekend.
Five Day Outlook – Sacramento, CA
- Today: Dense fog early, then partly sunny, high near 61
- Saturday: Morning fog, mostly cloudy, high near 61
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 60
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 61
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 61
