Green Bay, Wisconsin – Morning travel across northeast Wisconsin slowed significantly today as dense freezing fog reduced visibility and created slick, icy road conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces. Drivers reported sudden drops in visibility, with roads appearing wet but freezing on contact.
Dense Fog Advisory Remains in Effect
According to the National Weather Service office in Green Bay, a Dense Fog Advisory remains active through mid-morning for large portions of the region. Affected areas include Brown, Winnebago, Outagamie, and Manitowoc counties, where visibility may drop to one-quarter mile or less at times.
With early-morning temperatures hovering near 29 degrees, the fog is freezing on contact, forming a thin glaze of ice on untreated roads, sidewalks, and elevated surfaces. Rural stretches and low-traffic routes are especially vulnerable.
Morning Travel Conditions and Road Impacts
The combination of low visibility and icy pavement has made the morning commute challenging. Drivers along I-41, Highway 172, and connecting local roads are urged to slow down and increase following distance. Sudden slick spots may appear without warning, particularly on shaded roads and bridges.
Officials stress that standard headlights should be used instead of high beams, which can worsen visibility in fog. Even short trips may take longer than usual due to cautious driving conditions.
Conditions Improve Later Today, Rain Follows
Fog is expected to thin gradually as the morning progresses. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with afternoon temperatures rising toward 41 degrees. While this warming trend should help improve visibility, rain is expected later today, introducing fresh moisture to surfaces that may still be cold.
This transition raises concerns for additional slick spots, especially during periods of heavier rainfall or on surfaces that remain below freezing early in the day.
Tonight: Rain, Possible Snow Mix, and Lingering Slick Spots
Rain continues into the evening and overnight hours, with temperatures lingering in the mid-30s. Forecasters note the possibility of a brief rain-snow mix, particularly late tonight. While early accumulation is expected to be minimal, changing precipitation types can quickly worsen road conditions.
Although winds will ease overnight, slick patches may persist after sunset, especially in areas where temperatures dip just enough for refreezing.
Friday Outlook: Cooler with Early Precipitation
Friday brings a shift toward cooler air. Spotty rain or snow showers may linger early in the day before gradual clearing develops. Afternoon highs reach the upper 30s, allowing some melting during daylight hours.
However, as temperatures fall into the mid-20s overnight, any remaining moisture on roads could refreeze, creating additional travel hazards after dark.
Weekend Weather: Snow Likely, Travel Impacts Increase
Attention turns to the weekend as another weather system approaches late Friday night into Saturday. Forecast models suggest snow becomes more likely, with several inches possible across northeast Wisconsin.
Saturday afternoon and evening could see rapidly deteriorating travel conditions as snowfall intensifies. Sunday remains cold, with lingering snow chances and highs near the upper 20s, keeping winter driving concerns in place.
Safety Tips for Drivers This Morning
Slow speeds and extra caution are essential during freezing fog events. Drivers should remain alert for sudden icy patches and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Five-Day Outlook for Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Today: Dense freezing fog early, rain later, high near 41
- Friday: Early rain/snow, then partly sunny, high near 38
- Saturday: Snow likely, colder, high near 31
- Sunday: Cold with lingering snow chances, high near 28
- Monday: Partly sunny and cold, high near 33
Conclusion
Freezing fog continues to pose a serious hazard across the Green Bay area this morning, with slick roads and reduced visibility slowing travel. While conditions improve later today, additional rain, a possible snow mix, and an active weekend storm system mean winter driving challenges are far from over.
Are roads slick where you are right now? Share what you’re seeing in Green Bay in the comments below.
