The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for fog across parts of London, set to cause potential travel chaos for commuters on Wednesday, December 17. The alert is active for a 10-hour period, from around midnight until at least 10am.
Which London Boroughs Are Most Affected?
Forecasters warn that patches of dense mist will develop overnight, with specific areas of the capital expected to bear the brunt. A detailed map from the Met Office highlights that the warning primarily covers residents in Enfield, Barnet, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, and Havering.
The fog is predicted to initially form across western parts of the UK before spreading eastwards. While conditions are expected to clear from the west of the warning area before dawn, the East Midlands and southeast, including London's affected boroughs, will likely experience slower dispersal, leading to prolonged poor visibility during the morning rush hour.
Major Travel Disruption Expected
The Met Office is advising the public to prepare for potentially difficult journeys. Bus and train services may face delays or cancellations, and there is also a possibility of disruption to flights. Drivers are strongly urged to check road conditions before setting out, allow considerable extra time for their journeys, and consider amending travel plans if necessary.
Beyond the capital, the fog warning extends to numerous other regions, including major cities like Peterborough, Oxford, Birmingham, and Manchester. A full list of affected local authorities is provided below.
Separate Rain Warning for South West and Wales
Meanwhile, a separate yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for both Wednesday and Thursday, covering South West England and Wales. This system is forecast to move towards areas including Brighton, Kent, Reading, and Slough on Thursday.
While London is not currently expected to be affected by this rain alert, the situation could change. The Thursday warning indicates that 15-25mm of rain is likely widely, with 40-60mm possible over higher ground in south Wales and Dartmoor. Given recent saturated conditions, there is a risk of travel disruption and flooding, with strong winds potentially exacerbating the situation along English Channel coasts.
Regions and local authorities affected by the fog warning:
- East Midlands: Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland.
- East of England: Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock.
- London & South East England: Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire.
- North West England: Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington.
- South West England: Gloucestershire.
- Wales: Flintshire, Wrexham.
- West Midlands: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire.
- Yorkshire & Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York.
