Met Office Issues Yellow Weather Warning
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for dense fog across Greater Manchester and several regions in the UK. The warning came into effect at 4:01 am on March 26 and is set to last until 10 am. It covers areas including Salford, Trafford, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, and Tameside.
Figure 1: The warning covering parts of Greater Manchester
Fog Reduces Visibility Below 100 Metres
According to the Met Office, the fog is dense in several areas, reducing visibility to below 100 metres. The poor visibility is expected to cause delays in road, rail, and air transport. The Met Office stated, “Areas of fog will be dense in places, reducing visibility to less than 100m at times which may lead to some travel delays. Fog will lift and clear during the morning.”
Regions Affected by the Warning
The weather warning covers the North West, Yorkshire, and East Anglia. Cheshire, Lancashire, and Merseyside are also affected. The warning extends to parts of North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and East Anglia. Other affected cities include Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich, Essex, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, and Blackpool.
Figure 2: Regions affected by warnings
Transport Disruptions Expected
The Met Office warned that buses, trains, and flights could experience delays or cancellations. Commuters have been urged to check for travel updates before setting off. The agency advised, “Bus and train services, as well as flights and ferry travel, may also be affected.”
Drivers Advised to Take Precautions
Motorists are urged to drive with caution due to reduced visibility. The Met Office recommended switching on fog lights and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Drivers were advised to check road conditions before starting their journey.
Guidelines for Driving in Fog
The Met Office provided several safety tips for drivers:
- Drive slowly and use dipped headlights
- Avoid using full beams as fog reflects light
- Keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front
- Use fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres
- Be cautious of freezing fog, which may cause icy conditions
Impact on Air Travel
Flights could face cancellations or delays due to the fog. The Met Office stated, “There is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights.” Passengers were urged to check updates from airlines before heading to the airport.
Weather Conditions Expected to Improve
The fog is expected to clear later in the morning. The forecast predicts an overcast start before sunny intervals emerge from 9 am. Clear skies are expected by the afternoon, with temperatures reaching 15°C in Manchester.
Recent Weather Events in the UK
The UK experienced stormy weather last week, with 400 lightning strikes recorded in a single day. Heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms affected southern England and the East Midlands. The rainfall caused flooding, with one flood warning issued on Sunday.
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Road Closures Due to Previous Weather Events
The stormy weather led to road closures across the country. Parts of the M18 in Yorkshire and the M40 near Warwick were affected over the weekend. The Environment Agency issued 22 flood alerts, covering areas such as north Hampshire, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire.
Record-Breaking Spring Equinox Temperature
The UK recorded its warmest spring equinox since 1972 on March 20. Temperatures reached 21°C in some regions.
UK Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
- Tuesday: Dry conditions expected with sunny spells after morning fog clears. Cloud and rain will move into northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland later.
- Tuesday Night: Windy in the northwest as rain moves southeast. Cloudy conditions in the south and west, with drizzle over hills. Clear spells expected elsewhere, with mist and fog patches developing overnight.
- Wednesday: Cloud and rain will continue moving southeast, becoming heavy later. Some sunny spells expected before the rain arrives.
- Thursday to Sunday: Rain will clear southeast on Friday, followed by cooler weather with sunny spells and scattered showers. Further rain is possible in western regions on Saturday, but drier conditions are expected on Sunday.
Commuters and travellers are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and advisories from the Met Office.
