Dense Fog Warnings Issued Across Parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The Met Office has issued yellow fog warnings affecting much of England, eastern Wales, and Northern Ireland for Monday morning. The warning for England and Wales runs until 11:00, while the Northern Ireland warning lasts until 10:00.

Impact On Travel

The large warning area covers parts of the southern UK from Canterbury to Cardiff and Hull to York, including London, Birmingham, and parts of Greater Manchester. Visibility could drop below 50 metres, leading to difficult driving conditions and potential delays for buses, trains, ferries, and flights. Heathrow has already advised drivers to allow extra time and urged passengers to check with their airlines. Recent thick fog also caused major accidents over the weekend, including a 30-car pile-up on the M20 in Kent that left two people seriously injured and a 19-car crash on the A303 in Hampshire.

Context

Fog forms when air cools and water vapour turns into tiny droplets near the ground, reducing visibility and causing major travel hazards. Clearer skies allow heat to escape quickly and cause temperatures to drop, which makes fog more widespread. Motorists are advised to use fog lights, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and check road conditions before setting out.