A blanket of dense fog descended upon Calgary Friday morning, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue a formal fog advisory for the city and surrounding areas. The advisory, issued on the morning of January 2, 2026, warns of significantly reduced visibility, creating hazardous conditions for the morning commute.
Details of the Weather Advisory
The weather agency specifically warned that visibility could be suddenly and dramatically reduced to near zero in patches of heavy fog. This type of condition is especially dangerous for drivers on highways and in areas with rapid changes in elevation. The advisory urged all motorists to be prepared for unpredictable changes in road conditions.
While the advisory did not specify an exact end time, such fog events in Calgary during winter mornings are often caused by temperature inversions, where cold air is trapped near the ground by a layer of warmer air above. This phenomenon is common in the river valleys and low-lying areas around the city following clear, calm nights.
Safety Recommendations for Drivers and Residents
Authorities are strongly advising Calgarians to adjust their travel plans and driving habits. Key recommendations include:
- Using low-beam headlights, as high beams will reflect off the fog and worsen visibility for the driver.
- Increasing following distance significantly to allow for longer stopping times.
- Reducing speed and avoiding sudden braking or sharp lane changes.
- Using roadside reflectors and pavement markings as a guide if visibility becomes extremely poor.
- Allowing for extra travel time to reach destinations safely.
Pedestrians and cyclists are also urged to wear reflective clothing and exercise extreme caution, as they may be very difficult for drivers to see.
Broader Weather Context Across Canada
The localized fog event in Calgary coincides with active winter weather warnings in other parts of the country on this first Friday of 2026. Environment Canada has various alerts in place, ranging from snowfall and blowing snow warnings in some provinces to wind chill advisories in others.
This serves as a reminder for Canadians to regularly check local forecasts, especially during the winter months when conditions can change rapidly. The fog in Calgary is expected to gradually lift as daytime heating increases and wind patterns shift, but commuters are cautioned that conditions may persist through the late morning hours.
For the latest updates on this and other weather alerts, residents are encouraged to monitor official sources from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
