Dense Fog Advisory issued for South Plains through mid-morning Tuesday

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for portions of the South Plains and southern Rolling Plains through 10 a.m. Tuesday as thick fog blankets the region and significantly reduces visibility.

Lubbock’s airport is currently reporting visibility of just one-quarter mile, with conditions expected to worsen through mid-morning. Visibilities may fall below a quarter mile at times, particularly for areas on the caprock where deterministic models are showing dense fog conditions.

Fog and low stratus clouds may persist through much of the morning, with southwestern areas of the South Plains not clearing until closer to noon.

Safety Tips for Commuters

Drivers are urged to allow extra time on roadways and use low beam headlights while traveling through foggy conditions. The reduced visibility poses a hazard for the morning commute.

We can attribute the fog development to a weakening upper level low that was swirling overhead late Monday evening. As the system slowly moves eastward, mid and high level cloud cover will continue to decrease through early Tuesday morning. Although winds will be out of the southwest to west early Tuesday, light winds are allowing fog to develop, particularly in elevated areas.

Looking Ahead

Despite Tuesday morning’s cloud cover, temperatures are expected to be nearly identical to Monday’s readings, staying close to seasonal averages with highs in the 60s. Dry conditions will continue through the next several days.

The pattern changes this weekend, however, with increasing chances of precipitation expected.