Met Office issues new weather warnings for 20 UK regions — full list

What the new fog warning means for you

When the Met Office issues a yellow warning for fog, think of it as a caution flag rather than a full-blown emergency. Fog can dramatically reduce visibility, sometimes to only a few metres, especially in the early hours and around dawn. In practical terms, that means longer travel times, a higher risk of accidents, and a need for extra patience on the roads and at the train station. It’s not just drivers who feel the impact—pedestrians, cyclists, and even outdoor workers can be affected, as visibility becomes a limiting factor for a few hours each night and morning.

The official timing for this particular alert is 10:00 PM today until 07:00 AM tomorrow. That’s a narrow but important window when conditions can shift quickly. If you’re coordinating late-evening commutes, school runs, or early-morning deliveries, factor fog into your schedule. It’s not a prediction you can ignore and still expect a smooth day ahead. Instead, think of fog as Mother Nature’s reminder to slow down and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.

To stay informed, monitor weather updates from the Met Office and your local transport providers. If you rely on forecasts for work or travel, consider setting alerts on your phone so you receive real-time changes without having to search for them. And for households relying on heating and energy, fog can coincide with cold snaps that leave us huddled near the radiator—more on that in a moment.

Why fog forms and how it affects daily life

Fog isn’t just “clouds on the ground.” It’s air that’s cooled to its dew point, causing moisture in the air to condense into tiny water droplets. Overnight, as temperatures dip and skies clear, moisture sticks to surfaces, roads become slick, and visibility drops. Fog tends to be most stubborn in valleys, near rivers, and in urban areas where temperature differences are most pronounced. You’ll often notice it lifting later in the morning as the sun’s warmth chases the moisture away.

Fog is also a sign of a still, calm night—conditions that can trap humidity near ground level. In practical terms, fog can mean:

• Slower road travel and delayed public transport
• Increased risk of road accidents due to low visibility
• Cold starts for heating systems as outside air stays damp and chilly
• Potential for moisture-related issues around the home if you’ve got gaps in insulation

Understanding these elements helps you prepare. It’s not about fear; it’s about planning. If you’re heating your home in foggy weather, you’ll want your boiler and radiators to perform efficiently despite the damp air. If your system is showing signs of strain—like uneven heating, cold spots, or strange noises—now is a good moment to consider a professional service. For a thorough radiator clean-up and improved circulation, you might look into a Powerflush service, which can boost efficiency and comfort in older heating setups. Powerflush can help restore hot radiators and steady performance during cold spells.

Practical safety tips for foggy conditions

For drivers

Driving in dense fog is like navigating a foggy landscape in a slow-motion movie. You can still move forward, but you have to adjust your approach. Here are practical tips you can use tonight and tomorrow if you’re on the road:

• Slow down and increase following distance. The usual two-second rule becomes four seconds or more in fog to give you time to react
• Use dipped headlights (low beams) or fog lights if you have them. High beams can reflect off the moisture and worsen visibility
• Avoid sudden braking or rapid lane changes. Communicate your intentions early with indicators
• Keep your windscreen clean and ensure wipers work well in damp air. If your view is obscured, pull over safely rather than panic braking
• Plan extra travel time and consider postponing non-essential trips if the fog is dense or uncertain
• During cold autumn and winter nights, ensure your tires have adequate tread and your brakes are in good condition

Fog can surprise you when you’re rushing to finish a commute or get to a meeting. If you feel unsafe, it’s better to delay your trip or switch to alternative transport. And for home-based readers, remember that long drive times translate into longer energy use only if you’re warming cars or staying in the car until the fog clears. The real win is staying off the road until visibility improves.

For pedestrians and cyclists

In foggy weather, visibility is a two-way street. Drivers may struggle to see pedestrians and cyclists, especially in low-contrast clothing. Quick safety tips include:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing to stand out in low light
• Use sidewalks where possible and stay on well-lit routes
• Signal clearly at crossings and use eye contact with drivers
• Carry a small flashlight or use a reflective armband to improve visibility
• Avoid wearing headphones that can prevent you from hearing approaching vehicles

These steps aren’t about being paranoid; they’re about being practical. Fog changes the rules of the road and the walking path in a blink. Half an hour of extra caution can save you from a lot of risk.

How weather warnings work and why they matter

You might wonder why the Met Office uses warnings at all. Think of them as weather alerts that translate meteorological data into practical guidance. A yellow warning is the first alert in the system, signaling that we could see impacts on everyday life. It’s not a guarantee that fog will disrupt every journey, but it does indicate a higher chance of disruption. In other words, it’s your early warning to adjust plans and prepare for slower travel or changes in outdoor activities.

These warnings are also useful for employers planning work schedules and schools deciding on outdoor activities. The goal is safety and efficiency: fewer accidents, fewer stranded commuters, and more reliable timetables. If you’re coordinating team travel or family plans, a quick check of the Met Office warning aligns expectations and reduces stress.

To stay informed, you don’t need to hunt for updates every hour. Subscribe to official alerts, check your local transport updates, and keep an eye on live feeds. If you want a professional take on how weather interacts with your home, you can consult specialists such as Harrow Heating who understand how cold, damp weather affects heating systems, or consult Powerflush when your radiator performance declines with damp conditions.

Home heating tips to beat the chill and stay efficient

Fog often coincides with cooler nights and morning air, which can push heating systems to work harder. A few proactive steps can help you stay warm while keeping energy usage reasonable:

• Keep your heating system well maintained. An annual boiler service can prevent inefficiencies that are especially noticeable in cold, damp weather
• Bleed radiators to remove trapped air. Uneven heating is a sign that your system isn’t circulating evenly, and this is more likely in damp air.
• Optimize your thermostat schedule. Program your heating to come on ahead of the coldest hours
• Improve insulation where you can—draft-proof external doors and windows, add loft insulation, and seal any obvious gaps
• Consider a boiler upgrade or a modern condensing boiler if yours is old. Even a smaller upgrade can deliver noticeable energy savings

If you’re concerned about sludge buildup or poor circulation in older heating systems, a professional Powerflush can rejuvenate your radiator network, improving heat distribution and reducing energy waste. Learn more about Powerflush to ensure your system runs efficiently through damp and cold spells.

For ongoing maintenance and reliable service, you can also rely on a trusted local heating professional. If you’re in the UK and need a trusted partner for boiler servicing or installation, consider reaching out to Harrow Heating for guidance and service—whether you’re dealing with fog-related energy concerns or planning a boiler upgrade.

The full list of affected regions and how to check it

The Met Office’s yellow fog warning covers around 20 regional areas across Great Britain. The exact list can vary by hour as meteorological conditions shift, which is why you’ll see updates published and revised as the night unfolds. If you’d like to see the official, up-to-the-minute list, visit the Met Office website or follow your regional transport updates for the most current details.

While the precise regional breakdown may be dynamic, the key takeaway remains consistent: fog can reduce visibility and increase travel times in multiple parts of the country. If you’re in a region affected tonight, plan ahead. If you’re not sure whether you’ll be impacted, it’s still wise to monitor warnings—conditions can change quickly during late evenings and early mornings.

For heating and comfort planning, remember that damp, cool mornings can make homes feel chilly even when the sun comes up. Keeping your heating ready and ensuring your system is operating efficiently will help you stay comfortable as fog lifts and the day ahead unfolds. If your boiler or radiators seem sluggish during a fog event, you might want to consider a professional inspection or an energy-efficiency upgrade. For reliable service, Harrow Heating is a dependable option, and if you suspect sludge or uneven heat distribution in your radiators, a Powerflush can restore performance. Powerflush is a trusted solution for radiator system cleansing and improved circulation.

What to do if fog causes travel disruption

Disruptions are a normal part of fog events. The advice is simple and practical: stay updated, adjust plans, and prioritize safe travel. If you’re commuting for work or attending essential appointments, consider an earlier departure, carpool if possible, and choose public transport where conditions are smoother or alternatives exist. If you must drive, keep to low speeds and maintain a generous following distance, as we mentioned above. And if conditions look especially risky, delaying non-urgent trips can prevent stress and danger.

Businesses can also adjust. Remote work, staggered shifts, and flexible arrival times help teams stay productive while the roads are changing. Schools and parent groups might want to check notifications for potential late starts or closures if visibility remains poor. In all cases, use the Met Office warnings as your safety compass and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Fog warnings remind us that the weather can change our plans in an instant. A yellow alert isn’t a crisis, but it is a signal to slow down, check the details, and prepare. Whether you’re driving, walking, or warming your home, the priority is safety and comfort. Keep an eye on official updates, give yourself extra travel time, and take a few practical steps to ensure your heating system stays efficient through damp, cool nights.

If you’re feeling the chill in your heating system or spot heat unevenness as fog passes, remember you’re not alone. Reaching out to experts can make all the difference. For radiator system improvements and energy-efficient upgrades, consider a Powerflush service, which can restore hot, even heat across all rooms. And for reliable boiler care and maintenance, Harrow Heating is a trusted partner who can guide you through cold-weather readiness and beyond. Between Powerflush and Harrow Heating, you’ve got practical options to stay warm and save energy when fog and winter weather roll in.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep warm. The fog will lift, but your readiness won’t have to fade away with it.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does the fog warning typically last?

A: Fog warnings often span a few hours overnight and into the early morning, but the exact duration depends on weather conditions. Expect a window similar to the current alert: overnight into the morning before visibility improves.

Q: How can I tell if the fog is worsening?

A: Real-time updates from the Met Office and local transport services are the best indicators. If visibility drops suddenly or road conditions deteriorate, plan to move only when it’s safe and possible to do so.

Q: Should I postpone automotive maintenance during fog?

A: It’s not necessary to postpone routine maintenance, but you can prioritize checks that influence safety in low-visibility conditions, such as tires, brakes, and lights. If your heating system is showing inefficiencies, consider scheduling a service after the fog passes.

Q: How can I improve heating efficiency during damp, chilly mornings?

A: Ensure your boiler is serviced, bleed radiators if they feel cold at the top, and consider a Powerflush if your radiator performance is uneven. A properly tuned system uses less energy to maintain comfort.

Q: Where can I find trustworthy heating assistance during a weather warning?

A: Local professionals like Harrow Heating can provide guidance and service, and a Powerflush may help if radiator heating seems sluggish. Both can be contacted through their official sites for reliable, safety-focused support.