Minneapolis, MN – The National Weather Service (NWS) in the Twin Cities has issued a Dense Fog Advisory covering much of Minnesota and parts of northwest Wisconsin early Thursday morning. The advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. CDT, with visibility expected to fall to one-quarter mile or less in several regions.
The Incident: Dense Fog Covers Large Areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin
The advisory extends across a wide portion of Minnesota, affecting cities such as Alexandria, St. Cloud, Mankato, Rochester, and the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. In northwest Wisconsin, communities including Rice Lake and Ladysmith are also under the fog alert.
According to the National Weather Service, the fog developed overnight due to calm winds and high humidity levels, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning rush hour. Visibility in some rural and low-lying areas dropped to near zero, particularly along rivers, lakes, and valleys.
“Travel will be difficult in areas of dense fog,” the NWS warned in its advisory. “Motorists should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and increase following distance.”
Investigation and Evidence: Impact on Morning Travel
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reported patchy dense fog on Interstate 35, I-94, and Highway 169, with multiple motorists noting sudden drops in visibility. While no major accidents were reported as of early morning, transportation officials urged drivers to use caution.
Fog tends to be most dangerous before sunrise, when cooler temperatures and low air movement trap moisture near the ground. Visibility can change quickly, especially when traveling between open fields and wooded areas or approaching bodies of water.
Authorities remind travelers that high-beam headlights worsen glare in fog and that low-beam lights or fog lamps should always be used instead.
Current Conditions and Forecast
The fog is expected to gradually lift after 9 a.m., improving visibility as temperatures rise into the upper 40s and low 50s. Skies will clear through the day, leading to a dry, seasonably cool afternoon across most of Minnesota.
According to NWS meteorologist reports, no significant precipitation or storms are expected for the remainder of the day. However, overnight lows could dip near freezing, bringing a chance of patchy frost early Friday morning, especially in central and southern Minnesota.
“After the fog clears, the region will experience calm and dry weather with light winds and partly sunny skies,” said an NWS forecaster Thursday morning.
Community Response and Travel Advisory
Local authorities have issued reminders for school bus routes and early commuters to plan for extra travel time. Airports in the Twin Cities and Rochester reported minor flight delays early in the morning due to low visibility on runways but expected operations to normalize by mid-morning.
Public safety officials urged caution for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near intersections where low visibility may hinder drivers’ reactions.
The Minnesota State Patrol advised residents to check road conditions via 511mn.org or the MnDOT app before heading out.
Background Context: Fog and Fall Weather Patterns in Minnesota
Fog events are common in Minnesota during late fall, when overnight temperatures drop and ground moisture from recent rainfall creates ideal conditions for condensation. This pattern, known as radiation fog, typically dissipates by mid-morning once sunlight warms the surface air.
Experts say residents can expect similar fog advisories over the next few weeks, especially in low-lying areas and near lakes and river valleys.
Ongoing Developments and Weather Outlook
Following the lifting of the fog, Thursday afternoon is forecast to remain clear and cool, with highs in the mid-50s. Overnight, temperatures could again fall below 32°F in rural regions, bringing the first widespread frost of the season.
Looking ahead, the weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s, signaling a brief stretch of mild autumn weather before another cold front early next week.
Conclusion
With dense fog blanketing much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, motorists are advised to use caution and remain alert during the morning commute. Conditions are expected to improve steadily through mid-morning, leading to a calm and dry end to the day across the state.
How is the fog affecting your area this morning? Share your experience or travel updates in the comments below.
