OHIO — Dense fog expected to develop Sunday night and linger into Monday morning could lead to school delays or closures across parts of Ohio on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
According to the National Weather Service, fog is expected to form overnight and persist through the early morning hours. Visibilities of less than one mile are likely, with some areas potentially seeing dense fog that reduces visibility to as low as one-quarter mile.
Such conditions can significantly impact the Monday morning commute, particularly for school buses traveling rural routes and highways before sunrise. Reduced visibility makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, traffic signals and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
School districts often make closure or delay decisions based on road conditions during early morning assessments. If fog becomes widespread and visibility drops to dangerous levels, districts may opt for a delay to allow conditions to improve after sunrise. In cases where dense fog persists longer than expected, some schools could decide to close for the day.
Transportation officials typically advise motorists to slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow extra travel time during foggy conditions. Drivers are also encouraged to leave extra distance between vehicles.
The heaviest impacts are expected during the early morning hours when buses are on the roads and students are traveling to school. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the morning as daylight increases and fog begins to lift.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor announcements from their local school districts for updates regarding any potential delays or closures.
