The Met Office has issued a warning about thick fog and freezing temperatures affecting parts of the UK, urging caution for those traveling on the roads. The dense fog, expected to persist throughout the day in some areas, coincides with plummeting temperatures, which dropped to as low as -9.1°C in Braemar, Scotland, on Tuesday.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to experience particularly cold and frosty conditions, with dense fog patches lingering throughout the day. Alex Deakin, a Met Office meteorologist, warned: “That fog is thick in places this morning, very dense. Be aware of that if you are heading out on the roads. If you’re stuck in fog all day, temperatures are not going to get above freezing.”
UK Temperatures Remain Cold Across the Board
Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain in single digits across the UK. Areas with some sunshine, including parts of Scotland, may see highs of only 4°C or 5°C, while England and Wales will experience slightly milder conditions, with highs of 6°C or 7°C. However, a thick blanket of cloud and coastal breezes will keep the chill in the air, according to the Met Office.
Overnight, fog is predicted to thicken further, especially in southwest Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. Most areas will remain dry during the night, but eastern regions may see rain and drizzle during the early hours of Thursday. Where clouds persist, temperatures are likely to stay above freezing, while clearer areas, especially in Scotland, could see temperatures drop to -3°C or -4°C in towns and cities, with even lower readings in sheltered glens.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Looking ahead, the weekend is expected to bring a mix of fine weather and sunshine as high-pressure systems dominate. However, overnight frost and fog will remain a challenge. Patchy rain is forecast to arrive in northern areas during the weekend, the Met Office reported.
Travel Warnings and Health Advice
A yellow weather warning for fog was issued across parts of Scotland on Tuesday, with travel conditions expected to be difficult. The Met Office has advised motorists to check road conditions before traveling.
On Monday, the NHS in the northwest issued a reminder for people to take extra care to avoid falls following a yellow cold weather alert. The warning comes as cold weather often leads to increased risks of slips and falls. Last year, North West Ambulance Service recorded over 86,000 calls related to falls, with 40% occurring during the colder winter months.