Sacramento is in for a week of wild weather swings, with dense morning fog giving way to unseasonably warm temperatures. If you’ve been enjoying the crisp winter air, brace yourself—because temperatures are about to soar into the 70s by midweek.
Thick Fog Creates Hazardous Morning Drives
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for Sacramento and surrounding areas, warning that visibility could drop to less than a quarter-mile in some places. This advisory will last through Tuesday morning, affecting major highways such as I-5, Highway 99, and I-80.
If you’re commuting early, take extra precautions:
- Use low-beam headlights to avoid glare and improve visibility.
- Drive slower than usual and allow extra distance between vehicles.
- Give yourself extra time for delays due to reduced visibility.
Luckily, as the sun rises, the fog will start to lift, but it won’t be the last weather twist this week.
From Freezing Mornings to Warm Afternoons
After the fog clears, Sacramento will experience a stunning temperature shift, with highs soaring 10 to 15 degrees above normal.
- Tuesday: Morning fog, then sunny with a high of 67°F (19°C).
- Wednesday: Warmer, mostly sunny, hitting 69°F (20°C).
- Thursday: Feeling like spring, with a high of 72°F (22°C).
- Friday: Even warmer, reaching 72°F (22°C) under clear skies.
This kind of heat isn’t typical for February, where Sacramento’s average high is usually around 60°F (16°C). The sudden warm-up is being caused by a high-pressure system moving into California, trapping heat over the region.
How to Stay Safe in These Changing Conditions
- For Foggy Mornings: Keep headlights on low beam, drive slowly, and stay alert for sudden stops in traffic.
- For Warm Afternoons: Dress in layers so you can adjust as temperatures rise. Stay hydrated, and if you’re spending time outdoors, wear sunscreen—yes, even in February!
- For Allergy Sufferers: The warm-up could bring increased pollen levels, so be prepared if you’re sensitive to seasonal allergies.
Will the Heat Last?
Not for long! A cooler pattern is expected to return by the weekend, with increased cloud cover and a slight dip in temperatures. While it won’t be freezing, Sacramento will shift back to more typical February conditions as March begins.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento’s weather is on a wild ride this week—from foggy, freezing mornings to sunny, summer-like afternoons. If you’re heading out early, be cautious of the dense fog, and by afternoon, get ready to ditch the jackets! Stay prepared for the shifts, and as always, keep an eye on the forecast—because in Sacramento, the weather can change in an instant!