Thick fog is set to create dangerous driving conditions for UK commuters this week, with the worst impact expected during Thursday’s morning rush hour. The Met Office’s lead weather presenter warns that as winds ease on Thursday, extensive fog will develop across east Wales, central and southern England, potentially lingering until lunchtime. This weather shift follows a recent stormy spell and signals a broader period of settled, high‑pressure conditions that will also bring more mist and low cloud through the coming days.
Fog forecast for Thursday morning
Wednesday will bring some sunny spells and scattered showers, but the transition to lighter winds on Thursday will allow extensive fog to form. The fog is expected to be dense in places, particularly across east Wales, central and southern England. Visibility problems could affect journeys for the Thursday morning commute, and in some locations the fog may not clear until midday.
Impact on commuters and travel
Motorists face difficult driving conditions during the Thursday rush hour because of poor visibility. The fog could also affect public transport schedules, leading to delays or cancellations where operators deem conditions unsafe. While the fog is expected to clear by lunchtime in many areas, residual mist may persist into the afternoon, especially in eastern and southern regions.
Broader weather pattern and outlook
High pressure is becoming established across the UK from Sunday onward, bringing lighter winds and more settled weather. This pattern typically brings the risk of mist, fog and low cloud during late autumn, along with cooler days and frosty nights. Temperatures are forecast to be slightly above average, ranging from 12 °C to 16 °C on Wednesday afternoon.
Rain is likely to return by Friday and Saturday, mainly across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of England and Wales. However, mist and fog may re‑form across eastern and southern England, continuing the visibility challenges for commuters.
The settled high‑pressure regime is expected to persist through much of the first week of November, with limited rainfall. Despite October delivering near‑average precipitation, some reservoirs in England and Wales remain at exceptionally low levels, underscoring the longer‑term water situation even as the immediate focus remains on safe travel during the fog episode.