California wakes under a muted gray veil this morning as dense fog settles across San Diego’s coastline, softening streetlights and shrinking visibility to just a few car lengths. Moisture clings to windshields, and pavement glistens under the low ceiling, creating a challenging morning commute for drivers heading toward downtown, Mission Valley, or the harbor.
According to the National Weather Service, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m., with visibility dropping to ¼ mile or less in several neighborhoods. Calm winds keep fog locked in place, especially along I-5, I-8, and Highway 163, where slowdowns are already developing. Drivers should use headlights, avoid high speeds, and leave more space between vehicles. Conditions may improve rapidly by late morning, but pockets of fog can linger longer near coastal valleys.
Meteorologists note that patchy fog returns late tonight and early Saturday, setting up another round of low-visibility travel before sunshine breaks through. Models show a steady warming trend into Sunday, with highs reaching the low 70s, offering pleasant early-December weather for shoppers, walkers, and families heading outdoors. To be fair, fog can rebuild quickly before sunrise, so early travelers should stay alert for sudden drops in visibility.
The broader national pattern highlights record warmth across the West while arctic air surges into the Plains. California stays on the mild side of this contrast, though persistent coastal fog remains the region’s main travel concern through the weekend.
Five-Day Outlook
Saturday: Patchy fog early, then sunny. High 71°.
Sunday: Fog early, then mostly sunny. High 71°.
Monday: Sunny and warmer. High 74°.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 71°.
Wednesday: Patchy fog early, then sunny. High 71°.
