Tallahassee, Florida – North Florida woke up under a blanket of thick fog Friday morning, with visibility dropping sharply across major roadways and rural stretches. A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM, bringing potential hazards for early commuters as conditions shift quickly with the sunrise.
Foggy Start Creates Hazardous Travel Conditions
Early morning fog settled across northern Tallahassee, spreading over Leon, Jefferson, Madison, and portions of south Georgia. Many drivers reported headlights glowing dimly through the haze, with pavement appearing slick enough to demand slower speeds and wider braking distance.
Meteorologists note that the fog formed due to calm overnight winds and mild late-November humidity, which allowed moisture to collect near the ground surface. An advisory issued at dawn (source: National Weather Service) warns that visibility could drop to one-quarter mile in some pockets, especially along rural corridors and low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service, which issued the advisory, drivers should remain cautious as fog may linger longer in shaded or tree-lined areas where sunlight struggles to break through.
Timeline of Morning Conditions
The advisory is active until 10 AM, covering the entire early commute window. Fog intensity may fluctuate rapidly, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate sudden whiteout patches.
- 6–8 AM: Densest fog expected
- 8–10 AM: Gradual improvement
- After 10 AM: Sunshine returns as fog dissipates
Commuters are urged to leave early, slow down, and keep low-beam headlights on for safety.
Safety Guidance for Drivers
Officials emphasize that morning fog can be misleading. While some neighborhoods may appear clear, nearby highways or open stretches can experience sudden visibility drops.
Key Safety Tips:
- Use low beams, never high beams
- Allow extra braking distance
- Reduce speed significantly
- Watch for slick pavement in shaded areas
- Build extra travel time into the morning commute
Warmer Weather Returns After Fog Clears
Once the fog lifts, Tallahassee transitions into a warm and sunny afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 80s, creating a mild, almost muggy feel unusual for late November. Light winds add to the pleasant conditions, making it a comfortable day for outdoor errands or pre-holiday activities.
Saturday is shaping up similarly, with highs near 82 degrees, partly cloudy skies at night, and mild breezes throughout the day.
Extended Weekend Outlook
Sunday brings even brighter conditions with highs near 81, supported by dry air drifting in from the northeast. The calm pattern continues into Monday, offering excellent weather for Thanksgiving travelers and outdoor events.
Models show slight pattern changes next week, including a small midweek rain chance and the possibility of a modest cool-down as Thanksgiving approaches. While Florida stays warm, those traveling north should be aware of developing Winter Weather Alerts across the northern U.S. between Nov. 25 and Dec. 3, where heavy snow is expected to expand eastward.
Five-Day Tallahassee Forecast at a Glance
- Today: Patchy dense fog, then sunny. High 81
- Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 61
- Saturday: Mostly sunny. High 82
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 61
- Sunday: Sunny. High 81
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear. Low 54
- Monday: Sunny. High 80
Why Dense Fog Deserves Serious Attention
Dense fog remains one of the most underestimated travel hazards. Many weather experts highlight that fog-related crashes often increase when drivers assume familiar routes are safe. Reduced visibility, combined with slick surfaces and typical morning rush hour traffic, elevates the risks substantially.
Residents are encouraged to practice cautious habits, especially during holiday travel periods when roads become busier.
Conclusion
With a Dense Fog Advisory active this morning and rapidly changing conditions across Tallahassee, drivers should remain alert, patient, and prepared. Sunshine and warm weather will return by midday, but the morning commute requires extra care.
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