California – Headlights cut through a pale gray haze across the Sacramento Valley this morning as dense fog settles over neighborhoods, freeways, and river corridors. The air feels damp and still, and familiar landmarks fade quickly into the mist.
According to the National Weather Service, widespread dense fog developed before sunrise, with visibility dropping below one mile in many areas and briefly lower near the American and Sacramento rivers. Temperatures hover near 38 degrees, allowing fog to cling to roadways and low-lying areas well into the morning hours.
Drivers along Interstate 5, Highway 99, and surface streets near downtown Sacramento should prepare for sudden visibility changes. Wet pavement and lingering fog increase the risk of rear-end collisions during the early commute. Use low-beam headlights, slow down, and leave extra space between vehicles.
Conditions gradually improve late this morning as sunshine breaks through. To be fair, clearing may happen unevenly, with some neighborhoods staying foggy longer than others. By midday, skies turn mostly sunny and afternoon temperatures climb to around 60 degrees, offering a mild winter feel.
Clear skies return tonight, allowing fog to redevelop again late and into early Thursday. Patchy dense fog remains possible through the end of the workweek, especially near rivers and open farmland. Calm winds and long winter nights favor repeated fog formation.
Looking ahead, dry weather continues through Friday and into the weekend. Highs remain near 60 degrees during the day, while overnight lows settle into the lower 40s. No rain is expected, but fog will remain the main travel concern during morning hours.
Dense valley fog is a quiet but persistent winter hazard in Northern California. Are you dealing with low visibility on your commute this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, CA
• Today: Dense fog early, then mostly sunny. High near 60.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 61.
• Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 60.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 59.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 59.
