A persistent and dense fog has enveloped much of British Columbia's Lower Mainland, and Environment Canada warns residents that the murky conditions are expected to last until at least Tuesday afternoon.
Widespread Fog Advisory in Effect
The national weather agency has issued a yellow fog warning for a broad swath of Metro Vancouver. The advisory covers Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge. Areas closest to the Strait of Georgia are expected to experience the most severe conditions.
Environment Canada meteorologists attribute the phenomenon to a ridge of high pressure settled over the province. This weather system is effectively trapping moisture near the ground, creating the widespread and recurrent fog.
Limited Visibility and Travel Hazards
The primary concern is significantly reduced visibility, which poses serious risks for drivers and pedestrians. Visibility may improve slightly during the afternoons, but the fog is forecast to redevelop each night.
Authorities are urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution. Key recommendations include:
- Prepare for near-zero visibility and allow substantial extra time for travel.
- Use headlights at all times; daytime running lights are insufficient.
- Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
- Be aware that with overnight temperatures dipping close to zero Celsius, roads may become slick.
Forecast: Clearing by Midweek
Relief is on the horizon. The stagnant high-pressure ridge is predicted to weaken by the middle of the week. Incoming weather systems are expected to flush out the fog by Wednesday.
The longer-range outlook for Vancouver suggests the possibility of lingering fog on Wednesday, followed by sunny skies to end the work week. However, the reprieve may be short-lived, as the current forecast calls for showers to return over the upcoming weekend, with a chance of snow.
The fog event, which began over the weekend, was captured in photos early Monday, January 19, 2026, showing a thick white blanket obscuring familiar cityscapes.
