California – Headlights glow through a gray curtain this morning as dense fog blankets the Sacramento Valley, muting sound and shrinking visibility across city streets and highways. The fog marks a hazardous start to New Year’s Eve travel, with conditions set to change quickly as rain moves in.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through late morning for the central and southern Sacramento Valley. Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less, especially near rivers, farmland, and low-lying roadways.
Sacramento drivers should expect slow travel along I-5, Highway 99, and surface streets during the morning hours. Sudden visibility changes are possible, even within a single mile. Allow extra space between vehicles and use low-beam headlights. Fog-related delays may linger through the midmorning commute.
As the fog lifts, clouds hold firm and rain chances increase later today. New Year’s Day brings steadier rainfall, with wet roads becoming the primary concern by afternoon and evening. Temperatures stay mild, but damp pavement raises accident risk during holiday travel and evening celebrations.
Rain continues into Thursday night and Friday, occasionally heavy, with gusty winds developing at times. While snow is not expected in Sacramento, runoff from steady rain may create ponding on roads and reduced visibility during heavier showers. Drivers should slow down on highways and watch for standing water.
The first weekend of 2026 stays unsettled. Showers remain likely Saturday and Sunday, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms adding brief downpours. Outdoor plans may need flexibility as conditions shift throughout the day.
More advisories are possible as rain intensity increases. Are you seeing thick fog or slick roads where you are this morning? Share what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
• Today: Dense fog early, clouds with a chance of rain; high near 48
• New Year’s Day: Rain likely, damp roads; high near 58
• Friday: Periods of rain, breezy at times; high near 58
• Saturday: Showers, chance of thunder; high near 56
• Sunday: Showers likely, mostly cloudy; high near 53
