The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for dense fog covering a large swath of England and eastern Wales, effective from 6pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday. The warning affects the Midlands, East Anglia, south-east and central southern England, north-west England, Yorkshire and the Humber, parts of south-west England, and eastern Wales. Major cities including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Greater Manchester are among the areas impacted.
Visibility Could Drop Below 50 Metres
In some locations, visibility may fall below 50 metres, creating hazardous driving conditions. The dense fog could also lead to delays or cancellations for bus, train, ferry, and flight services. The fog is expected to gradually lift through Monday morning, though some patches may linger into the afternoon.
Commuters should also prepare for a chilly start, with temperatures widely falling into low single figures and ground frost likely in many areas. The fog will be more widespread than the previous night because clearer skies across England and Wales allow heat to escape more quickly, causing temperatures to drop.
Fog Formation and Safety Advice
Fog forms when air cools and water vapour condenses into tiny droplets suspended near the ground, essentially creating a cloud at ground level. Mist forms in the same way but is less dense, with visibility generally greater than 1,000 metres (1km).
Visibility of 50 metres or less can cause severe travel disruption. The Met Office advises drivers to check road conditions before setting off and to use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Motorists should allow extra time for their journey and adjust plans if necessary. Patchy fog can be particularly dangerous because visibility can change suddenly.
The RAC motoring organisation recommends allowing extra stopping distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. For those using public transport or flying, it is advisable to check for updates from operators and follow their advice. Flights may be delayed because aircraft need greater spacing when landing in fog.
Regional Impact and Precautions
The warning covers a wide area, and even outside the warning zone, patchy fog could develop in northern parts of the UK wherever skies remain clear for long enough. The Met Office urges the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions while travelling.
This dense fog event follows a recent spell of foggy conditions, and forecasters warn that it could be more extensive than the previous night. As the Monday morning rush hour approaches, authorities are bracing for potential disruptions and advising commuters to plan ahead.
