You wake up, look out the window, and basically see a wall of white. Honestly, that's just a typical winter morning in the Central Valley, but today’s version in Stockton is particularly thick. If you were planning on a smooth commute or an early morning jog, the atmosphere had other plans.
The National Weather Service has been pretty vocal about it. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Stockton and the surrounding Northern San Joaquin Valley until noon today, January 17, 2026. We aren't just talking about a little haze; visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less in many spots. It’s the kind of "Tule fog" that makes the end of your hood disappear if you aren't careful.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 49°F. It feels exactly like that, too, because the wind is virtually non-existent—clocking in at 0 mph from the west. It’s a stagnant, heavy sort of air. The humidity is hanging high at 60%, which is why that fog feels like it’s clinging to everything.
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If you're heading out this afternoon, things do clear up slightly, but don't expect a tan. The high is strictly capped at 54°F. It’s going to stay cloudy for the duration. Even though the "chance of rain" is technically listed at 10%, it’s more of a persistent dampness than an actual storm. You probably won't need the heavy umbrella, but a water-resistant shell is a smart move.
The Numbers You Actually Need
- Today's High: 54°F
- Tonight's Low: 38°F
- Current Wind: 0 mph (West)
- UV Index: 1 (Basically zero sun exposure)
- Precipitation: 10% chance of light rain
The air quality is something to keep an eye on if you have sensitive lungs. While the fog looks cool, it often traps particulates near the ground. Local sensors are showing a Moderate air quality rating, though some pockets in the valley are pushing toward the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range due to PM2.5 levels. If you have asthma, maybe keep the outdoor cardio to a minimum until the ceiling lifts.
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Why Stockton’s Weather is Being Weird Today
Usually, by mid-January, we're either seeing back-to-back atmospheric rivers or bone-dry cold. Today is a weird middle ground. We have a very weak low-pressure system drifting near the coast, but it lacks the "oomph" to actually break the valley inversion.
Basically, the cold air is trapped under a layer of warmer air. This acts like a lid on a pot, keeping the moisture (and the smog) stuck right here in Stockton. It’s why the wind is dead. West winds at 1 mph—which is the forecast for the rest of the day—don't even move the leaves on the trees.
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Driving in This Mess
Look, everyone thinks they’re a pro at driving in fog until they’re on I-5 or Highway 99 and a semi-truck’s taillights appear out of nowhere. The NWS is stressing three things today:
- Slow down. Sounds obvious, but people still do 70 in a 20-foot visibility zone.
- Low beams only. High beams just reflect off the water droplets and blind you.
- Space. Double your following distance.
Looking Ahead to Tonight
Once the sun goes down (though we won't really see it set behind these clouds), the temperature is going to take a dive. We're looking at a low of 38°F. Since the humidity is expected to jump back up to 78% overnight, expect the fog to return with a vengeance by late evening.
It’s a "soup" kind of day. Stockton isn't seeing the crazy snow or the freezing gales hitting the Midwest right now, but this damp, gray chill has its own way of getting into your bones.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your car’s exterior lights before you head out; a burnt-out taillight is a huge liability in today's quarter-mile visibility. If you're sensitive to air quality, keep your windows closed until the fog clears around midday, as particulate matter is currently highest near the surface. Plan for a 15-minute delay on any North-South travel through the valley today.