A dense fog advisory is in effect for DeSoto County and much of North Mississippi until 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. The National Weather Service in Memphis warns that visibility could drop to a quarter mile or less during the morning commute. Drivers in Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Hernando, Walls and surrounding communities should allow extra time and slow down on I-55, I-69, I-269, Goodman Road and Highway 78.
The NWS issued the advisory just after midnight. It covers DeSoto County along with Marshall, Tate, Tunica, Panola, Lafayette, Benton, Tippah, Alcorn, Lee and more than a dozen other North Mississippi counties.
Dense fog advisory: what drivers should do
According to the National Weather Service, low visibility can make driving hazardous with little warning, especially in low-lying areas and near creeks and ponds. The agency recommends:
Slow down and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
Use low-beam headlights. High beams reflect off fog and make it harder to see.
Consider delaying travel until the fog lifts if you can.
Watch for school buses and pedestrians at bus stops, which can be hard to spot in thick fog.
Sunny and mild once the fog clears
The NWS forecast for the Hernando area calls for fog to burn off by about 9 a.m., followed by sunshine and a high near 70 degrees Thursday. Tonight should be mostly clear with a low around 49. A little patchy fog could form again after midnight. That is good news for fans heading to Thursday night’s regular-season football finales across the county, which kick off at 7 p.m.
Cold front brings a chilly weekend
A reinforcing cold front will push across the Mid-South on Friday, and the NWS says a chilly, dry weekend will follow, with frost possible in the mornings. The latest forecast for the Hernando area shows:
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 64; low around 42 Friday night.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 57; low around 37 Saturday night.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 60; low around 38 Sunday night.
Monday: Sunny, high near 63.
Forecasters say dry conditions should continue for the next seven days. Residents may want to bring in tender plants and check on pets and older neighbors as the first real chill of the season settles in.
