California – Headlights blur through pockets of fog this morning as cold air settles into the Sacramento Valley. Frost clings to grass and rooftops, and visibility drops quickly near rivers and open fields. Winter conditions feel quiet but demanding early today.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, temperatures hovered near 36 degrees before sunrise. Patchy dense fog developed between 7 and 8 a.m., with areas of frost forming before daybreak. Visibility may fall suddenly, especially along I-5, Highway 99, and surface streets near the American and Sacramento rivers.
Travel impacts remain the biggest concern. Fog can thicken without warning, and cold pavement may turn slick in shaded spots. Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra braking distance during the morning commute.
Later today, conditions improve gradually. Fog lifts by late morning, giving way to partly sunny skies. Highs climb into the mid-50s, offering brief relief from the cold. Winds stay calm, allowing fog to redevelop again tonight.
Sunday follows a similar pattern. Another round of patchy fog forms early, then burns off by mid-morning. Afternoon highs reach the mid-50s under filtered sunshine. Nights remain cold, dipping back into the upper 30s.
Early next week stays dry but fog-prone. Monday through Wednesday feature mostly sunny afternoons with highs in the low to mid-50s. Morning fog continues to be the wildcard, especially near waterways and low-lying neighborhoods.
While winter storms impact other regions nationwide, Sacramento’s challenge is persistence rather than intensity. Flash freezing can occur when frost melts and refreezes near sunrise, increasing crash risk on untreated roads.
Daylight is slowly increasing. By the end of January, Sacramento gains about 40 extra minutes of evening light, helping afternoons warm faster.
Residents should plan extra travel time during morning hours and remain alert for sudden visibility drops. Are you dealing with fog or frost on your commute today?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Sacramento, California
- Today: Patchy dense fog early, then partly sunny, high near 55°F
- Sunday: Patchy morning fog, then partly sunny, high near 56°F
- Monday: Morning fog, mostly sunny, high near 53°F
- Tuesday: Patchy fog early, mostly sunny, high near 54°F
- Wednesday: Patchy fog early, partly sunny, high near 56°F
