Early this morning, the National Weather Service in Pueblo issued a Special Weather Statement warning of patchy dense fog across portions of El Paso County, especially in open areas north and east of Colorado Springs. Visibility could quickly fall to as low as a quarter mile in the worst spots.
What residents should know
The fog is expected to develop shortly after sunrise and persist through the late morning hours. By midday, the statement notes that the fog should slowly lift, allowing visibility to improve. Until then, motorists are advised to slow down, turn on low‑beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance between vehicles.
Safety tips for drivers
- Reduce speed to match the reduced visibility.
- Use low‑beam headlights; high beams can reflect off the fog and reduce sight.
- Increase following distance to give yourself more reaction time.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or overtaking in fog‑filled areas.
- If conditions become unsafe, consider pulling over in a safe location until visibility improves.
Local law enforcement and the Colorado Department of Transportation are monitoring the situation and will issue any additional advisories if conditions worsen. Residents traveling on major routes such as I‑25, US‑24, and County Road 38 should remain vigilant.
Impact on daily activities
Schools and businesses in the affected zones have been notified of the weather conditions. While most schools are expected to remain open, administrators are prepared to adjust start times or provide remote‑learning options if visibility becomes hazardous for school buses.
Commuters planning to travel to or from Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security‑Beltway, or the surrounding rural communities should allow extra travel time. The fog is less likely to affect downtown Colorado Springs, where the terrain and urban heat island effect typically reduce fog formation.
Looking ahead
Forecast models suggest that the fog will dissipate by early afternoon as temperatures rise and the sun burns off the low‑lying moisture. Residents can expect clearer conditions and normal visibility by mid‑day, allowing travel to resume without further restrictions.
For real‑time updates, follow the National Weather Service Pueblo office on social media or tune to local radio stations. Stay safe and drive responsibly.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.