Raleigh Weather Alert: Patchy Fog Reduces Visibility Across Central North Carolina Saturday
RALEIGH, N.C. — A dense fog advisory issued Saturday morning has led to hazardous driving conditions across central North Carolina, as visibility dropped to a quarter mile or less in several locations. The National Weather Service warned motorists that the fog could cause sudden shifts in visibility, especially in low-lying rural areas.
Areas Most Affected
According to the National Weather Service offices in Raleigh and Wakefield, Virginia, patchy fog extended from the Triangle through the Sandhills in North Carolina and across the Piedmont in Virginia. Cities including Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Goldsboro saw the thickest fog, with conditions worsening along the I-95 corridor.
Drivers traveling on U.S. 64, I-40, and I-85 were particularly impacted, with fog reducing visibility quickly when moving between clear and dense patches. These sudden changes created treacherous conditions for both commuters and long-haul truckers.
Why Fog Formed Overnight
The fog formed due to a combination of high humidity, calm winds, and cooler overnight temperatures that allowed moisture to condense near the surface. Meteorologists explained that river valleys and open farmland are especially prone to fog formation since cooler air settles in low-lying areas, trapping moisture and creating thick patches of haze.
This pattern is not unusual in late summer, when lingering heat and humidity from the day mix with overnight cooling. However, the National Weather Service cautions that patchy fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for drivers, often leading to accidents because visibility can drop from half a mile to a few feet in seconds.
Travel Hazards and Safety Recommendations
Transportation officials reminded drivers to:
- Reduce speed when entering foggy areas.
- Keep a safe following distance, since brake lights may be harder to see.
- Use low-beam headlights instead of high beams, which reflect off fog droplets and cause dangerous glare.
According to the Country Herald, these measures can significantly reduce crash risks during fog events.
Timeline for Improvement
Meteorologists expect the fog to gradually dissipate by mid- to late morning as temperatures rise and sunlight evaporates surface moisture. Until then, drivers in North Carolina and Virginia were urged to remain cautious and allow for extra travel time.
Extended Outlook
Looking ahead, the forecast calls for:
- Saturday afternoon: Sunny and hot, with highs near 90°F.
- Sunday: Continued warmth with slightly lower humidity.
- Early next week: A dry pattern will dominate, though isolated afternoon thunderstorms may return by midweek.
The National Weather Service notes that while today’s fog will likely clear, patchy fog could return early next week if overnight conditions remain humid and calm.
Did this morning’s fog affect your commute or weekend plans? Share your experiences in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
