Dense fog in the northern San Joaquin Valley has reduced visibility to a hazardous quarter-mile in some areas, prompting the National Weather Service to expand its Fog Advisory to the Sacramento Metro area. The advisory warns of "areas LIFR in BR/FG vcnty of KSMF southward in Central Vly til 17z," indicating low visibility until mid-morning. Northerly winds north of Sacramento are expected to help clear the fog, while southerly winds to the south are keeping it more persistent. The National Weather Service forecasts that the winds will "help alleviate some fog concerns," but there is still a 40-75% chance that fog will return over the coming days.
After the fog clears, the Sacramento region will see dry and clear weather through mid-week, with temperatures in the 50s to low 60s in the valley and upper 30s to low 50s in higher elevations. By the weekend, a Pacific front will bring rain and gusty winds, with "snow levels lower to 4000 to 5000 feet Saturday with WPC QPF forecasting upwards of 1 to 2 feet of over higher elevations," according to the National Weather Service.
Air travel in Northern California will experience "widespread MVFR/IFR with areas LIFR in BR/FG," meaning pilots may face reduced visibility due to fog. VFR conditions should return in the next 24 hours. In the Sacramento Valley and Delta, northerly winds up to 20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, are expected from 17z to 01z. Pilots should stay updated on weather conditions, as gusty winds and rain are also possible, as stated by the National Weather Service.
