Drivers are being warned to exercise caution as thick fog spreads across large parts of the United Kingdom early this week.
The Met Office has identified current meteorological conditions—longer nights during autumn and winter, cooler temperatures, and light winds—as creating 'the perfect recipe' for fog formation. Niamh Murray, an operational meteorologist with the Met Office, explained that these factors allow air to become saturated and form dense mist.
Fog coverage and warnings
A yellow weather warning was issued on Monday for areas including most of England south of Manchester (excluding Devon and Cornwall), eastern Wales such as Cardiff, and much of Northern Ireland (excluding Belfast). Visibility in some locations is expected to fall below 50 meters, posing risks to road users and potentially leading to delays in bus and train services or flight cancellations.
Transport disruptions reported
On Monday morning, Heathrow Airport confirmed overnight fog had reduced visibility around the airport. A spokesperson stated that conditions may persist into the early hours and advised travelers to allow extra time for their journeys and check with airlines before departure.
An incident involving at least 30 vehicles occurred on Saturday evening along the M20 motorway between junctions eight and nine near Maidstone, Kent. The collision resulted in two people being seriously injured and led to a significant road closure during peak travel times.
Safety advice from drivers' group
Edmund King, president of the AA (Automobile Association), emphasized how quickly fog can transform familiar roads. He warned against simply following the vehicle ahead by its rear lights, noting that this practice creates a false sense of security and increases risk if sudden braking occurs. According to him, safe driving requires maintaining greater distance and adjusting speed based on actual visibility rather than perceived progress.