While you were debating if AI would take your job, other people started using it to print money. Seriously.

That's not hyperbole. People are literally using ChatGPT to write Etsy descriptions that convert 3x better. Claude to build entire SaaS products without coding. Midjourney to create designs clients pay thousands for.

The Hustle found 200+ ways regular humans are turning AI into income. Subscribe to The Hustle for the full guide and unlock daily business intel that's actually interesting.

Start making AI money

A thick winter fog is spreading across California, turning familiar roads into hidden dangers. Visibility is dropping to nearly zero as stagnant air traps cold air, pollution, and moisture at ground level. Officials warn that the effects go beyond just travel, raising concerns about public health and air quality. This is tule fog — a seasonal phenomenon with serious consequences.

Large parts of California are once again covered in dense tule fog, a winter weather phenomenon that significantly reduces visibility, cools daytime temperatures, and raises public safety and health concerns across the Central Valley and nearby areas.

Tule fog, also called radiation fog, develops under familiar but risky conditions. After recent rain and irrigation, clear nights and calm winds allow heat near the ground to escape quickly after sunset. As surface temperatures drop to the dew point, water vapor condenses into thick fog, trapped near the ground by a temperature inversion—a layer of warmer air above that prevents the mist from dissipating. Once formed, tule fog can last for days, sometimes all day, especially during the short winter daylight hours.

The most significant immediate danger is very low visibility, which in some places has fallen to less than 100 feet. Transportation officials warn drivers on major routes, including Interstate 5, Highway 99, and rural farm roads, to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra stopping distance. Tule fog has historically caused major multi-vehicle crashes, earning it a reputation as one of California’s deadliest weather hazards.

In addition to travel risks, health officials are monitoring the effects on air quality. While fog itself consists of water droplets, stagnant conditions can trap tiny particles, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural emissions near the ground. This can increase pollution levels, especially dangerous for people with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart problems, the elderly, and young children. Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities during long fog events and to watch local air quality alerts.

The fog also lowers daytime temperatures, as sunlight struggles to penetrate the thick cloud layer. In some areas, this can lead to frost, freezing drizzle, or black ice, adding to road hazards during early morning and late-night hours.

Meteorologists expect the current fog to stick around until a stronger weather system or increased winds break the inversion and mix the air. Until then, Californians should remain cautious, be patient on the roads, and monitor health advisories as the state endures another season of dense, lingering tule fog.

Note: Make sure to use promo code “PSTC” when you click on the link above to reap maximum benefits.

Fog Safety Precautions

What to Know Nationwide

Dense fog isn't unique to California. Similar weather events occur across the United States, such as valley fog in Appalachia, radiation fog in the Midwest, sea fog along the Gulf Coast, and ice fog in northern states during extreme cold. While the causes differ, the hazards—reduced visibility, slick roads, and air quality concerns—are largely the same. These general precautions apply nationwide and can help keep people safe.

On the Road:

Fog is most dangerous for drivers. Always slow down and increase your following distance, even if the traffic around you moves faster. Use low-beam headlights or fog lights — high beams reflect off fog droplets, reducing visibility. Avoid sudden stops and never use cruise control in foggy conditions. If visibility becomes too poor, pull off the road safely and turn on hazard lights only when completely off the travel lane.

For Pedestrians and Cyclists:

Wear reflective or light-colored clothing and carry a light source when visibility is poor. Assume drivers may not see you until the last moment, and avoid crossing busy roads in low-visibility conditions.

Health Precautions:

Fog often forms over stagnant air that traps pollutants, smoke, or allergens. People with asthma, heart disease, or respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity during extended fog periods. Monitor local air quality alerts and consider using indoor air filtration if the fog persists for several days.

Cold and Surface Hazards:

In many areas, fog can lead to frost, freezing drizzle, or black ice — especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads. Walk carefully on sidewalks and drive cautiously during early morning and nighttime hours.

Stay Informed:
Check local weather forecasts, travel advisories, and air quality reports. Fog conditions can change quickly, and awareness is one of the most effective safety tools. No matter where you live, fog requires patience and caution. Slowing down, staying visible, and protecting your health can lower your risk during these common but hazardous weather events.