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Full Breakdown

Thick Fog Expected to Hinder UK Commuters Later This Week

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Upcoming Fog and Mist Across the UK

A high-pressure ridge will dominate the British Isles after a recent spell of stormy weather, leading to extensive mist and fog from Thursday morning through the weekend and into the following week. Light winds on Thursday night will allow low-level moisture to settle, especially over east Wales, central and southern England, where visibility could become dense enough to impair the Thursday morning rush hour. The fog may linger into lunchtime in some locations and could reappear on Friday and Saturday mornings in eastern and southern England, while occasional rain is forecast for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England and Wales.

02

Meteorological Background

The preceding stormy period was driven by an active jet stream that pushed deep low-pressure areas toward the UK. As the jet stream weakens, high pressure is set to build, bringing lighter winds, clearer skies and the classic late-autumn risk of mist, fog, low cloud and cooler temperatures. Temperatures are expected to be slightly above average at 12 °C to 16 °C during the daytime, with a chillier feel at night due to the damp air and limited sunshine.

Visual evidence

Image caption, High pressure becomes established across the UK from Sunday into next week
Image caption, High pressure becomes established across the UK from Sunday into next weekPhoto: bbc
Trees and a lamp post are hazy in a lilac-coloured fog
Trees and a lamp post are hazy in a lilac-coloured fogPhoto: bbc
Image caption, Parts of the UK will see mist and fog developing over the coming days
Image caption, Parts of the UK will see mist and fog developing over the coming daysPhoto: bbc
BBC Weather presenter Simon King reporting outside during a storm. His body is wet and the wind is blowing a bush next to him
BBC Weather presenter Simon King reporting outside during a storm. His body is wet and the wind is blowing a bush next to himPhoto: bbc

03

Implications for Travel

Motorists are warned that reduced visibility will make the Thursday morning commute particularly hazardous. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time, use low-beam headlights, and stay alert for sudden changes in road conditions. The lingering fog on Friday and Saturday mornings may continue to affect journeys, especially on rural routes where low cloud can persist through the night.

04

Rainfall and Drought Context

Although October delivered near-average rainfall for drought-prone areas of England and Wales, several reservoirs remain at critically low levels. Forecasts suggest the settled weather pattern could persist into the first week of November, meaning that the region may need several months of consistent rain to fully alleviate the drought situation.