Merced County, CA (February 24, 2026) — Merced County residents are being advised to prepare for reduced visibility later this week as dense fog is forecast to develop across the area following the departure of the current weather system. According to information shared by the Merced County Office of Emergency Services, the Hanford National Weather Service anticipates fog formation beginning early Thursday, February 26, with conditions potentially lingering into Saturday morning, February 28. The advisory notes that the most significant impacts are expected during morning hours, when visibility could drop to hazardous levels.
Forecast guidance indicates that portions of the Central Valley, including areas within Merced County, may experience visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less. Such conditions can create dangerous travel situations, particularly for commuters during peak morning traffic times. Local emergency officials are encouraging drivers to use low-beam headlights to increase vehicle visibility, allow extra time for travel, maintain greater distance between vehicles, and reduce speed when encountering fog.
Plan ahead and exercise caution while driving. Visibility in dense fog can change rapidly over short distances. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Hanford office for the latest information as conditions develop.
