Wilmington, OH – The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Dense Fog Advisory lasting until 8 a.m. Monday for large parts of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, warning drivers of dangerously low visibility across highways, valleys, and urban areas.
The Advisory: Visibility Drops to a Quarter Mile or Less
Meteorologists reported that visibility has fallen to near a quarter mile or less in multiple areas, including Chillicothe, Portsmouth, Maysville, and the Cincinnati metro region. The fog has spread beyond typical river valleys, covering highways, low-lying neighborhoods, and rural roads across the Ohio–Kentucky border.
Commuters and early travelers are being warned to expect delays and potentially hazardous driving conditions during the morning rush.
“Motorists are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra time to reach their destinations,” forecasters said. “Slick spots may develop on bridges and overpasses where temperatures are near the mid-40s.”
Weather Conditions and Impact on Commuters
The fog formed overnight due to light winds, clear skies, and moisture from recent rainfall — a perfect setup for rapid condensation near the surface. As a result, dense fog pockets developed before dawn, significantly reducing visibility along major interstates such as I-71, I-75, and U.S. Route 52.
Motorists traveling through Cincinnati, northern Kentucky suburbs, and southern Ohio towns are advised to remain alert for sudden drops in visibility. Local officials have also asked residents to use caution near school zones and intersections during morning drop-off hours.
Expected Duration and Forecast Outlook
Forecasters expect the fog to begin lifting gradually after sunrise, improving visibility across most of the region by mid-morning. By late morning, skies should clear, leading to mild daytime temperatures in the low to mid-60s.
Weather models suggest that dry and calm conditions will persist through Monday afternoon and evening, making for a comfortable start to the workweek once the fog dissipates.
Safety Guidance for Drivers
The National Weather Service and state highway patrols have provided several key safety tips for driving in dense fog:
- Use low-beam headlights instead of high beams to prevent glare.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid sudden lane changes and use road markings to maintain orientation.
- If visibility becomes zero, pull off the road completely and turn on hazard lights.
Authorities emphasize that fog can create unexpected hazards, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural roads where moisture tends to settle.
Conclusion
The Dense Fog Advisory for southern Ohio and northern Kentucky remains in effect until 8 a.m. Monday, with gradual clearing expected by mid-morning. Travelers are urged to exercise caution, drive slowly, and stay alert until conditions improve.
What are your local conditions like this morning? Share updates or travel experiences in the comments below.
