Walla Walla, WA – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for parts of southeastern Washington, warning drivers of dangerously low visibility through 10 a.m. PST on Wednesday, November 12. Motorists across Walla Walla, Dayton, and Waitsburg are urged to use caution during their morning commute as thick fog continues to blanket the region.
The Weather Alert and Areas Affected
According to the National Weather Service, dense fog is expected to reduce visibility to one-quarter mile or less overnight and into Wednesday morning. The advisory includes the Foothills of the Blue Mountains, where early evening reports already confirmed heavy fog formation along Route 12 and nearby rural highways.
Officials said the fog may become particularly hazardous in low-lying areas, valleys, and near rivers, where cooler air allows moisture to settle and visibility to change abruptly.
“Sudden reductions in visibility are likely,” forecasters warned, urging drivers to remain alert while traveling through fog-prone zones.
Safety Precautions for Motorists
The NWS and local transportation authorities are urging residents to drive slowly, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a greater following distance to avoid accidents in limited-visibility conditions.
Drivers should also avoid using high beams, which can reflect off fog particles and worsen visibility. Commuters heading out before sunrise should allow extra time for travel and remain cautious near intersections and curves where fog tends to thicken.
The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends checking live road cameras and weather updates before beginning any morning trips.
Timing and Forecast Details
Meteorologists expect the dense fog to persist overnight before gradually lifting by late morning as temperatures rise. The Wednesday morning commute is likely to experience lingering patches of fog, particularly in open fields and near waterways.
Once the fog dissipates, conditions should improve by late morning to early afternoon, with clearer skies and slightly warmer temperatures expected across southeastern Washington.
Statements from Weather Officials
The National Weather Service Pendleton office emphasized that dense fog events like this are common in November but can still catch drivers off guard.
“This type of fog can form quickly and reduce visibility to near zero at times,” officials said. “Travelers should remain cautious and use sound judgment when driving through fog-covered areas.”
Local law enforcement agencies have also advised drivers to reduce speed and avoid distractions while on the road until the advisory expires.
Background and Local Context
Walla Walla and surrounding areas often experience dense fog advisories during late fall and early winter due to cooler nights and high humidity levels. The combination of calm winds and saturated air allows fog to form rapidly, especially along river valleys and farmland corridors.
These weather conditions can lead to increased accident risks on major routes, prompting repeated warnings for commuters traveling between Walla Walla, Dayton, and Waitsburg during morning hours.
What’s Next and When It Ends
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday, after which visibility is expected to improve steadily throughout the late morning. However, forecasters caution that patchy fog could redevelop overnight in sheltered valleys if temperatures drop again.
Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time alerts from the National Weather Service and local media updates for any extensions or new advisories.
Conclusion
The dense fog blanketing southeastern Washington poses serious driving hazards, particularly for early-morning commuters. As visibility remains limited, safety officials urge all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and use proper lighting until conditions improve later Wednesday morning.
How are foggy conditions affecting your area? Share your experiences and updates in the comments below.
