Kern County residents are voicing concerns about unusually dense fog that has lingered across the area throughout January.
Many locals say the fog appears thicker and lasts longer than what they remember from previous years.
“Oh, that fog was crazy yesterday. It was, like, a scary movie or something,” said Brim.
Longtime resident Vanessa Martinez shared a similar sentiment, saying, “This is not the same since I was little at all. Like, it’s completely different.”
The persistent fog has raised safety concerns, especially following recent incidents, and has sparked conversations about what may be causing it.
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman said this January has experienced far more dense fog compared to last year.
“January last year came in with just one. Now it doesn’t take a genius to figure out. This year, we’ve got more than just one for this month alone,” Neyman said.
He explained the extended fog conditions are the result of a combination of air temperature and moisture, which leads to saturation and condensation near ground level.
Howard Galloway, who often drives through the fog, pointed out the contrast compared to mountain areas.
“We see the clouds hanging over Bakersfield, and it’s a big difference from living, from mountain living,” he said.
For newcomers and visitors, navigating the fog can be difficult.
“Yeah, I didn’t know what to do, but I drove slow,” one resident said.
Some residents have also expressed concerns about possible health effects. Martinez noted, “I kind of noticed it, but it makes me sick a little bit. Like, it’s weird, ’cause I’ve noticed how, like, it makes you cough.”
Despite these concerns, officials say driving safety remains the top priority.
Knighton described visibility as a major issue, stating, “I think the visibility is kind of crazy,” adding, “I’ve been struggling to see cars in front of me, and, you know, trying to see people’s headlights and people on the roads.”
Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra distance between vehicles to stay safe while traveling in foggy conditions.