The Met Office warns of difficult driving conditions during morning rush hour, particularly across the Midlands, due to low-lying fog, which will take some time to lift
Travel chaos is expected – including at airports – due to heavy fog today.
A yellow weather warning is in place until 11am for large parts of the Midlands, Southwest of England and Eastern England as the fog will struggle to clear throughout the morning.
It means delays are likely on roads, including the M5 and M40, and flights may be cancelled at airports. The Met Office says visibility will fall below 100 metres in the areas with the thickest fog.
But the weather service has issued several top tips to stay safe in the eerie conditions today. Motorists must make sure they know where their fog light switch is before they set off, and should keep a bigger distance between their vehicle and the car in front. These are two parts of the wider advice – to drive safely in fog – while the Met Office also suggests ways to avoid transport delays.
Met Office’s full list of tips to stay safe in the fog
Driving safely in fog
Foggy conditions can make it difficult to see the road ahead, be prepared for this by following these simple steps:
- Make sure you know where your fog light switch is before you set off.
- Keep a bigger distance between you and the car in front.
- Be prepared for a sudden bank of fog or drifting, patchy fog.
- Check your mirrors and slow down before entering fog.
- Use fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres, which is roughly the length of a football pitch.
- Don’t use full beam as fog reflects the light back.
- Once the fog has lifted switch off your fog lights.
How does fog affect flights and ferry crossings
- Check the weather for your departure location regularly.
- Make sure you check your phone for messages from your airline or ferry company. You can also check their websites and social media platforms for additional updates.
- Arrive on time at the airport or ferry terminal, even if delays are expected.
- Pack your hand luggage with delays in mind. For example, some people may need to pack extra prescription medicine or baby food.
How to avoid transport delays
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays on your journey by following this two-step checklist:
- CHECK: check bus and train timetables and the road conditions
- AMEND: amend your travel plans
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly.
