Fog expected to make way for rain, cold to move in

MERCED -- The fog that's engulfed Merced over the past couple mornings is expected to let up, but cool temperatures and rain could be on the way.

Jeff Barlow, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Hanford, said a weather front is moving through and mixing up the air. While no fog is likely, cooler than normal temperatures are expected.

The National Weather Service is calling for low temperatures between 28 degrees and 30 degrees over the weekend. High temperatures are expected to be in the 50s.

A freeze warning for Merced County is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday morning, Barlow said.

There's a chance of showers today, Barlow noted. The air will then dry out and cool down for the weekend.

As the days become warmer and the sun gets higher in the sky, there's a slimmer chance of fog, Barlow said. The fog season usually ends around the third week of February.

California Highway Patrol officer John Patterson said the fog hasn't been as bad in Merced County this season as it has in years past and hasn't been a major factor in many crashes.

"It's been a very mild season so far," he said.

When drivers have to deal with fog, Patterson recommends that they slow down, use their low-beam headlights and wait for fog to clear if it gets too dense.

There are no major delays expected along Highway 99 in the next few days.

Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsunstar.com.