FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Dense Tule fog has settled across the valley floor for several weeks this season, reducing visibility and contributing to dangerous driving conditions, including pileup crashes on Highway 99.
Some visibilities have dropped as low as 20 feet, and forecasters say there is little immediate relief in sight.
The National Weather Service says high pressure is expected to keep fog conditions in place through the weekend.
“Unfortunately, some more high pressure moving in for Saturday and Sunday. So we are looking at some more probabilities, especially for Sunday. So looking at about a 50 to 60% chance of 40 mile visibilities across the valley area,” said Stephen McCoy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
So far, the first week of February has seen five days of fog. January recorded 21 foggy days.
While those figures are not record-breaking, the National Weather Service says the region is already above the seasonal average of 32 fog days. The fog season begins Oct. 1.
McCoy said the pattern could continue for weeks, and possibly months.
“We want to make sure that people are aware that this is still continuing over the next little bit. You know, our fog season runs through April. So, you know, we could be seeing, you know, fog events at least for the next month or so. But, you know, it could be another two months of it,” he said.
With little to no relief expected, local doctors are urging residents to pay close attention to respiratory health. Fog can trap particulate matter and dust, worsening air quality and potentially aggravating breathing problems.
Physicians say vulnerable populations, especially infants, should be monitored closely.
“For example, we see persistent cough, fever, cough, vomiting, chest tightness, chest pain, you know, some, you know, uneasy feelings. You know, that they feeling that there’s something wrong going on,” said Saul Diaz Martinez, a pediatrician at Adventist Health in Fowler.
Health experts also recommend that people with chronic conditions, such as asthma, have a written emergency plan in place.
Doctors say steps can also be taken to reduce exposure to pollutants at home and in vehicles, particularly with allergy season approaching.
“So my recommendation is, please use your allergy medications, try to keep your windows rolled up when you’re driving, keep the windows closed when you’re home, use the air purifier,” said Dr. Praveen Bodega, an allergist.
Forecasters and health professionals alike stress the importance of staying informed and taking precautions as Tule fog continues to affect the region.
With possible changing weather patterns in the middle of next week, there could be some relief from the fog.
In the meantime, local leaders say people should pay attention to their health and be very careful on the road.
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