The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for fog covering several major cities across the UK, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Middlesbrough, Leeds, York, and Hull. This weather warning was put in place from 10:40 PM on Sunday night, March 9, 2025, until 9 AM on Monday morning, March 10, 2025.
According to the Met Office, "Fog will continue to develop across parts of northeast England, Yorkshire and Humberside through Sunday night. Some dense fog is likely in places with the visibility falling to 50 metres at times. Fog will lift during Monday morning." This significant reduction in visibility is not only alarming but could heavily impact travel plans for many commuters and travelers aiming to reach their destinations on time.
Motorists venturing out are urged to exercise caution as the fog may create challenging driving conditions. Highway and rural roads could become particularly perilous due to decreased visibility, leading to sluggish travel speeds and increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is imperative for drivers to check road conditions prior to departure, as well as to allow extra travel time or even amend their travel plans altogether.
The warning also extends to public transport, with commuters expected to face potential delays and interruptions to bus and train services. Those planning to fly should be prepared for the possibility of delays or cancellations at regional airports due to the low visibility conditions caused by the fog.
Specific areas affected include Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and York. The spread of fog is likely to impact residents and travelers throughout the North East England region.
Weather experts explain the phenomena of fog, stating its ability to significantly reduce visibility makes it hazardous for drivers, pilots, and train operators attempting to navigate their routes. This weather condition often results in increased travel time across various modes of transportation. Consequently, travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from their transport companies to avoid being caught off-guard.
Interestingly, this yellow weather warning follows after the UK experienced unusually warm weather over the weekend, with the highest temperature of the year so far recorded at Santon Downham, Suffolk—a balmy 19C on Thursday, March 6. It’s not unusual for the British weather to flip, often reminding residents of its unpredictability.
With summer-like temperatures prompting many to relish outdoor activities, it seems perplexing to see the rapid descent back to dense fog conditions. This stark change highlights the ever-fluctuating weather patterns characteristic of the region.
With the temporary yellow warning for fog still currently active until the lifting of fog expected on Monday morning, it is important for all residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. Keeping fog lights functional and ensuring they are activated during low visibility conditions can be the difference between safety and misfortune.
Therefore, it is advised to keep safe distances from other vehicles, as stopping distances increase significantly with the onset of fog. Communications from travel providers should inform everyone about potential cancellations or delays, and commuters should be prepared to adjust accordingly.
Check your route before setting off, as adjusting plans or travel times not only ensures your safety but also contributes to smoother traffic flow for everyone traveling during these unusual weather conditions.
Overall, the city prepares for the fog to progressively lift through Monday morning; travelers can expect improvements throughout the day. Nevertheless, keeping informed about any transport disruptions is prudent as conditions can change rapidly.
Let’s stay prepared, keep mindful of our journeys, and navigate through the fog responsibly. Safety genuinely should remain the top priority during such hazy weather moments.