Dodge City, Kansas – Drivers across southwest Kansas may face hazardous travel conditions early Monday as areas of dense, patchy fog develop overnight, reducing visibility during the peak morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, fog is expected to form late Sunday night and persist into Monday morning, with the highest risk between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. The greatest concern is for locations along and east of Highway 283, where visibility could drop to less than one mile at times.
Fog Risk Areas and Timing
Forecasters say fog development will be uneven, meaning conditions could vary dramatically over short distances. Drivers may encounter clear stretches of road before suddenly entering dense fog banks.
Areas most likely to be affected include Dodge City, Great Bend, Hays, and surrounding rural highways. Portions of U.S. 50, U.S. 56, and nearby county roads could see brief but sharp visibility reductions, especially in low-lying areas and open farmland.
What Makes This Fog Hazardous
Unlike widespread fog events, this system is expected to be patchy, which increases risk for motorists. Sudden visibility changes can catch drivers off guard, particularly at highway speeds.
Early-morning traffic such as school buses, farm equipment, and long-distance commuters may be especially vulnerable during the early hours.
Travel Safety Recommendations
Transportation and weather officials are urging drivers to take extra precautions during the morning commute, including:
- Reduce speed and allow extra travel time
- Increase following distance between vehicles
- Use low-beam headlights, not high beams
- Be alert for slow-moving vehicles and wildlife
- Avoid sudden braking when visibility drops
Officials stress that high beams can reflect off fog droplets and make visibility worse rather than better.
Improving Conditions Later Monday
Fog is expected to gradually lift after mid-morning as daylight increases and temperatures rise. By late morning, most areas should see significantly improved visibility.
At this time, no additional weather hazards are anticipated for the remainder of Monday. However, forecasters note that updates or advisories may be issued if fog becomes more widespread or denser than currently expected.
What Drivers Should Watch For
Motorists planning early travel should monitor local weather updates before heading out and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions, especially on rural highways and open roads common throughout southwest Kansas.
Share your experiences in the comments below if you encounter fog during your Monday morning commute.
