UK weather: High air pollution alert issued in Londonb as fog threatens travel disruption

Dense fog has led to a "high" air pollution alert being issued in London - as forecasters warn of difficult travel conditions and transport delays across much of the UK. 

London mayor Lord Sadiq Khan urged people to "minimise their exposure" after the alert was triggered for the capital today, while government monitoring also recorded high pollution in the South East of England and East Midlands.

Forecasters at Imperial College London advised Lord Khan to issue the alert "after dense fog and very light winds allowed pollution to build up over the weekend, and linger into Monday morning", according to the mayor's office.

It added that smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks "is likely to have contributed".

Londoners have been advised to drive less and avoid unnecessary burning at home.

Mete Coban, the deputy mayor for environment and energy, said that "toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year" - adding that it is "really important we all do our bit to protect those who are most vulnerable".

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow fog warning for parts of England and Wales until 10am, with visibility reduced to less than 100m (328ft) in some places.

The affected area stretches from Luton to Manchester, covering parts of central and northern England and Wales.

The Met Office warned of delays to public transport and slower journey times, with a chance of flights being delayed or cancelled.

The fog is expected to clear during the morning, but is likely to give way to cooler and frosty weather later this week.

Thick fog has caused disruption for motorists in recent days, with a stretch of the M20 in Kent shut on Saturday after two people were seriously injured in a crash involving more than 30 vehicles.

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Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said that while "weak November sunshine" has meant the fog has been slow to clear, increased cloud and wind should "limit further widespread fog from developing".

Those further north could experience freezing fog today, according to the Met Office, while persistent rain is possible towards the South West, with some also affecting the south coast and parts of Wales during the morning.

In the afternoon, cloud and rain will push north into central and southern England, Wales and the Midlands.

(c) Sky News 2026: UK weather: High air pollution alert issued in Londonb as fog threatens travel disruption