Why is it so foggy? Plus driving tips to help you on central California roads

The National Weather Service in Sacramento has already issued five fog advisories this month — four more than the entirety of November.

A Monday advisory was issued for the capital city until noon, with patchy fog in the forecast this week.

To stay prepared on a foggy road, here’s what you need to know:

Why is it so foggy in the Central Valley?

Starting in November through the end of February, California’s Central Valley gets occasional foggy days. The fog is referred to as tule fog and will make appearances throughout the three-month span.

“The combination of a cool, moist layer of air from the Pacific close to the surface, clear skies above and light winds results in exceptionally thick fog on many nights from late October through February. This phenomenon is often visible on satellite,” states the weather service’s website.

Typically, after Feb. 20, tule fog will fully disappear, said Craig Shoemaker, a weather service meteorologist.

Fog driving tips

Driving through a thick fog can be nerve wracking and dangerous.

The weather service advises that you stay off the road if you can during an advisory, but if you have to be out, here are the tips:

• Drive slow and cautiously.
• Use fog lights if your car has them, otherwise turn your low-beam headlights on to remain visible on the road.
• Do not use your high-beams — they actually makes it difficult to see through thick fog and creates a glare.
• If fog is very extreme and is creating dangerous driving conditions, turn on your hazard lights and pull over or into a parking lot. If you pull over on the side of the road keep your hazard lights on.

This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 11:35 AM.