California wakes to a muted, gray start as dense fog settles across San Diego County, blurring streetlights and softening skylines. Headlights glow through the mist, and visibility drops quickly along coastal and inland routes.
According to the National Weather Service, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. PST for San Diego County and nearby Orange County areas. Visibility may fall to one-quarter mile or less, especially near the coast, valleys, and low-lying roadways.
The biggest impact comes during the morning commute. Drivers should expect slower travel on I-5, I-8, I-805, I-15, and State Route 94, where fog can thicken suddenly. On-ramps, bridges, and canyon roads may see the sharpest visibility drops.
Temperatures stay mild, hovering in the mid-50s early before warming near 70 degrees this afternoon. Winds remain light, allowing fog to linger longer than usual. Conditions should gradually improve late this morning as sunshine breaks through.
By Thursday, skies turn mostly sunny with highs climbing into the mid-70s. However, patchy fog may return during overnight and early morning hours through the end of the week, a common December pattern along the Southern California coast.
Looking ahead to Friday, December 19, fog remains the primary concern rather than rain or cold. Still, reduced visibility can complicate Christmas travel plans, especially for early flights at San Diego International Airport or pre-dawn highway trips.
What you can do now:
Slow down. Use low-beam headlights. Increase following distance. Avoid sudden lane changes.
Five-Day Outlook for San Diego, CA
- Today: Morning fog, then mostly sunny, high near 70
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 76
- Friday: Patchy morning fog, sunny, high near 73
- Saturday: Morning fog, mostly sunny, high near 69
- Sunday: Patchy fog early, then clearing, high near 70
