Tule Fog’s Hidden Dangers and Surprising Benefits in Northern California
Over the past several days, a thick layer of fog and low clouds has been settling into the Central Valley and even creeping into the lower Foothills. Locals know this gloomy blanket of weather by a very specific name: Tule fog. It’s a familiar winter companion in this part of California, forming quietly during calm, cool nights after a stretch of rainy days. But right now, with visibility dropping in many areas, it’s a good moment to step back and talk about both the hazards and the surprising benefits that Tule fog brings.
Anyone who has ever driven through Tule fog knows just how unsettling it can be. Visibility can drop from normal to nearly nothing in a split second. There’s a reason this fog has a reputation for contributing to dangerous driving conditions, especially on fast-moving freeways. One of the most infamous examples happened in December of 1997, when a sudden “wall of fog” was blamed for a fiery, quarter-mile chain-reaction crash on Interstate 5 in Sacramento County. Five people lost their lives that day, and 36 others were injured. Even seasoned drivers were shaken. One truck driver said it felt like his very first day behind the wheel. The freeway ended up being shut down for more than 24 hours.
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Incidents like that aren’t isolated. Similar pileups have happened across both the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys over the years. But here’s something longtime residents may have noticed: Tule fog doesn’t seem as intense or as frequent as it once was. Scientists say that’s not just nostalgia or selective memory. Research from UC Davis shows that Central Valley fog events have dropped by more than half since 1980. And the reason is tied to changes in pollution policy—stricter burn bans, tighter emissions rules, and cleaner winter air overall. With fewer pollution particles floating around, there’s less for water vapor to cling to, meaning weaker fog formation.
For drivers, that’s obviously great news. But the story doesn’t end there, because Tule fog actually plays an important role in agriculture. Fruit and nut trees—such as cherries, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios—depend on winter fog to keep their temperatures stable and maintain their dormant phase. That dormancy allows them to conserve energy and prepare for spring growth. Without enough fog, trees can warm up too quickly, which can reduce crop yield or affect quality. Some farmers try to make up for the lack of fog by misting their orchards from above or using dormancy-breaking agents, though both methods can become expensive, especially during drought years. Others have shifted to varieties that are better suited for warmer, drier winters.
For now, the KCRA 3 weather team expects these thick clouds and fog to stick around for the next few days, likely stretching through Thanksgiving. So while it’s important to stay cautious on the roads, it’s also worth remembering that this murky weather—despite all its challenges—is still an essential part of life in the Central Valley.
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