Densest Fog Yet Forecast for Region

Morning commuters today will have to combat the densest fog since the current pattern began, forecasters said.

“There’s a fairly deep layer of moist air being pulled inland and all the moist air is allowing fog to form,” meteorologist Curtis Brackman of WeatherData Inc. said.

In the pattern, the fog forms about midnight and gradually disappears by about 9 a.m. It began several days ago and is expected to continue until Friday, Brackman said. But as the week progresses, the fog will decrease.

By Monday, light rainfall is possible, he said.

Highs today will reach the upper 60s and the lows will be in the mid-50s.

The fog slowed the morning commute to a snail’s pace Monday. Rick Pena of the California Highway Patrol said areas typically affected most by dense fog are Interstate 5 from La Paz Road to the San Diego Freeway and the Santa Ana Freeway from Jamboree Road to the Costa Mesa Freeway.

He advised commuters driving in foggy weather to turn on their headlights, drive slower and allow more distance between cars.

Pena said the fog that forms in the San Clemente area tends to linger longest. He suggested allowing extra time to drive in that area.

The fog did not affect operations at John Wayne Airport on Monday, where all flights landed and left as scheduled, officials said.

Still, airport and weather officials advised calling the airport to check on flight delays.