With visibility expected to be severely reduced in some regions, both air and road travel will be impacted. The Met Office has urged travellers to remain alert and to allow extra time for their journeys. The warning comes at a time when many people are preparing for weekend travel or returning home from the start of the Christmas holiday season.
Dense Fog to Create Travel Chaos
According to the Met Office, fog patches will begin to develop on Saturday night, becoming dense in some areas by early Sunday morning. These conditions are likely to cause major disruptions, particularly in the East Midlands, North East, and North West of England. The warning highlights that visibility could be severely limited, making it difficult for drivers to navigate roads safely.
In particular, areas such as Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds-Bradford, and East Midlands airports could experience significant flight delays or cancellations. Train and bus services are also expected to be affected, with slower journey times likely as transport operators take precautionary measures to maintain safety.
The Met Office advises all drivers to ensure their fog lights are functioning properly and to be prepared for delays. The warning further notes that transport services, including ferries, could also face disruptions. Passengers are urged to stay up-to-date with the latest travel information and follow any advice issued by their respective providers.
Fog’s Impact on Weather and Visibility
The fog is not expected to last long. According to the Met Office, the weather conditions should improve from west to east overnight, with fog clearing from most areas by dawn on Sunday. However, the early morning hours will remain challenging for travellers in affected regions.
Fog is a common occurrence during colder months in the UK, especially following clear, frosty nights. This week, the country has been experiencing a noticeable chill, driven by cold air from the Arctic region. The Met Office confirmed that temperatures in some parts of the country have dropped well below the mid-November average. This cooling effect leads to moisture in the air condensing into tiny droplets, resulting in misty, foggy conditions.
While the fog is expected to clear by Sunday morning, the Met Office warns that unsettled weather will persist into the afternoon, with showers potentially developing as the day progresses. A shift in air patterns is expected to bring milder conditions later in the day, which will bring temperatures back to more typical levels for the time of year.
