Dense fog threatens Monday morning rush-hour disruption

Image source, Reuters / Clodagh Kilcoyne

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for dense fog across much of England and eastern Wales, running from 6pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday.

The warning covers 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.

London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Greater Manchester are among the areas affected.

Visibility could fall below 50 metres in places, making driving difficult. Bus, train, ferry and flight services could also face delays or cancellations.

Fog will gradually lift through Monday morning, although some patches could linger into the afternoon.

Commuters can also expect a chilly start, with temperatures widely falling into low single figures and ground frost likely in many areas.

Image source, BBC Weather Watchers

How does fog form?

Fog will be more widespread than last night as clearer skies across England and Wales allow heat to escape more quickly, causing temperatures to fall.

Patchy fog could also develop outside the warning area in northern parts of the UK wherever skies remain clear for long enough.

Fog forms when air cools and water vapour condenses into tiny droplets suspended near the ground, creating cloud at ground level.

Mist forms in the same way but is less dense, with visibility generally greater than 1,000 metres (1km).

Advice for commuters and travellers

Visibility of 50 metres or less can cause severe travel disruption. The Met Office advises drivers to check road conditions before setting off and use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced.

Allow extra time for your journey and adjust your 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.

If you’re using public transport or flying, check for updates from your operator and follow its advice. Flights may be delayed because aircraft need greater spacing when landing in fog.

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