Black Ice Risk Below 32°F: How to Stay Out of the Guardrail

Why black ice shows up after sunset

If roads melted into slush today, tonight can get ugly fast. When temps drop below freezing (32°F), that wet sheen can refreeze into black ice—thin, nearly invisible, and ready to steal traction without warning. A Feb. 1 National Weather Service briefing warned that “areas of black ice may form where slush and snowmelt refreeze,” and told drivers to slow down and leave extra room ahead.

Black ice loves the spots you hit at speed. Bridges and overpasses cool from above and below...