Climate & Environment

UK Forecast: Thick Fog to Threaten Thursday Morning Commutes

By Simon King

Thick fog is expected to develop across parts of the United Kingdom, creating hazardous driving conditions for commuters, especially during the Thursday morning rush hour. Wednesday will feature a mix of sunshine and showers, but as winds ease by Thursday, extensive fog is predicted to form. The fog may persist into lunchtime in some areas.

After a recent stormy spell driven by a strong jet stream that brought deep low‑pressure systems, the weather is set to calm as high pressure builds. High pressure typically brings settled weather with lighter winds, but in late autumn it also increases the risk of mist, fog, low cloud, cooler days and frosty nights.

Wednesday will start cooler than recent mornings. Most of the country will be dry, though southern Scotland, northern England and north Wales will experience showery rain. The rain front will move southeast across Wales and into the Midlands in the morning before fading. The afternoon will be largely dry with sunny spells and temperatures slightly above average, ranging from 12 to 16 °C.

During the night into Thursday, winds will lighten and mist and fog will develop, particularly in east Wales, central and southern England. The fog could be dense in places, posing a risk to drivers during the morning commute. By Friday and Saturday, some rain is likely across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England and Wales, while mist and fog may again form over eastern and southern England.

High pressure is expected to become more widespread over the weekend and into next week. Light winds will allow mist and fog to form overnight and linger through the mornings. In some locations, mist, fog and low cloud may not clear, creating a chilly feel. Rainfall will remain scarce, and reservoirs that were already low at the end of October may stay below normal levels. The settled weather pattern is likely to persist through much of the first week of November.