Washington, Oregon, and Idaho Brace for Dangerous Morning Fog with Visibility Near Zero in Some Areas
WASHINGTON – Commuters across the Pacific Northwest are being urged to prepare for dangerous driving conditions tonight as dense fog develops overnight into Wednesday morning, drastically reducing visibility across parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Meteorologists warn that visibility could drop to below one-quarter mile in several areas, with some locations experiencing near-zero visibility — especially along major corridors like I-5 and I-84 during the early morning rush.
Fog Blankets Seattle, Portland, and the Willamette Valley
Weather maps show a widespread fog zone stretching from Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula southward into Portland and the Willamette Valley, where conditions will be most hazardous between midnight and 9 a.m.
Meteorologists expect visibility below one-quarter mile around the Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, and along the strait near Port Angeles.
Further south, drivers in Portland, Salem, and Eugene could face extremely limited visibility, particularly along the I-5 corridor south of Salem — a notorious fog-prone region in Oregon’s valleys.
“This fog will form quickly after midnight and stick around through the morning commute,” one forecaster warned, adding that it will take several hours of sunlight to clear out fully.
Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Northern California Also Impacted
The fog won’t stop at the Cascades. Meteorologists say patchy but dense fog is also expected in parts of Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and even Northern California, creating challenging travel conditions on rural highways and open interstates.
In Boise and surrounding areas, the same overnight cooling effect will cause fog formation across low-lying valleys, potentially impacting early-morning flights and long-haul trucking routes.
Drivers heading through Eastern Oregon and Northern California’s Klamath Basin are advised to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and avoid passing in areas where visibility suddenly drops.
Meteorologists Urge Caution for Morning Commute
Weather experts stress that fog-related crashes often occur because drivers underestimate how quickly conditions can change.
“Even if visibility seems fine on one stretch, it can drop to near zero within a few hundred feet,” meteorologist Chris Burke explained. “That’s when drivers get caught off guard.”
Residents are urged to:
- Allow extra travel time for the Wednesday morning commute.
- Keep headlights on low beam — never use high beams in fog.
- Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and merging vehicles.
- Use fog lights if equipped, especially along rural stretches.
Social Media Reactions from the PNW
Online, residents across Washington and Oregon have started sharing photos of early fog rolling in, joking that “Seattle just turned into a real-life horror movie.”
One Portland commuter wrote:
“Couldn’t even see the next traffic light. My morning coffee wasn’t strong enough for this.”
Another user from the Willamette Valley added:
“It’s that time of year again — fog thicker than my oat milk latte.”
While many are finding humor in it, meteorologists are clear — this is one of the densest fog events so far this fall, and drivers should take it seriously.
Clearing Expected by Late Morning
The thickest fog will likely persist through mid-to-late Wednesday morning, before gradually lifting as the sun warms the surface layer. Some areas near the coast and interior valleys may continue to see patchy fog through noon, especially if light winds fail to disperse the moisture.
High pressure building over the region should bring clearer skies by Wednesday afternoon, but forecasters say another round of fog is possible Thursday night under similar calm and moist conditions.
What Do You Think?
Have you noticed the fog rolling in tonight, or are you planning to delay your morning drive? Share your thoughts and safety tips with us at chicagomusicguide.com.