The Met Office has issued a stark warning for travellers in southeast England, with a yellow alert for freezing fog threatening significant disruption, including potential flight cancellations at Gatwick Airport.
What the Met Office Warning Says
The national forecaster warns that patches of freezing fog are expected to develop across parts of southeast England on Thursday night, persisting into Friday morning. The alert, which covers East Sussex, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, cautions that visibility could drop below 100 metres in some locations.
Following rainfall on Thursday, untreated surfaces may also become icy. The Met Office advises drivers to check road conditions, allow extra time for journeys, and ensure their fog lights are working. Bus, train, and air services are all likely to be affected.
Potential Impact on Gatwick Airport and Travel
The area covered by the severe weather warning explicitly includes the location of London Gatwick Airport, raising the prospect of delays and cancellations for flights. Airports rely on clear visibility for safe take-offs and landings, and dense fog can severely limit operations.
Overnight temperatures across southern England and Wales are forecast to plummet, potentially reaching -1°C, creating the perfect conditions for the freezing fog to form. The wider UK is braced for a continued spell of unsettled weather.
Unsettled Weekend Forecast for the UK
Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert stated that after the chilly, foggy start on Friday, further wind and rain will sweep across the country. He warned of an 'unpleasant evening rush hour' and advised people to leave extra time for travel.
Looking ahead, the highest rainfall totals from Friday into Saturday are expected over high ground in south Wales, southwest England, Cumbria, southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland, with 20-30 mm of rain likely. Given the already saturated ground, this brings a risk of localised flooding and further travel disruption.
Passengers due to travel from Gatwick or through the affected regions are urged to monitor forecasts and check directly with their airline or travel operator for the latest updates before setting out.
