The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for dense fog affecting large parts of the UK, including Greater Manchester, on March 26, 2025. The warning took effect at 4:01 AM and is expected to last until 10 AM, with visibility dropping to less than 100 meters in some areas.
The affected regions include Salford, Trafford, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, and Tameside, as well as other cities like Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich, Essex, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Preston, and Blackpool. The Met Office cautioned that the fog could lead to significant travel disruptions, impacting road, rail, and air transport.
According to the Met Office, "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." Commuters are advised to prepare for slower journey times and to check for updates on public transport services.
Motorists are particularly urged to exercise caution while driving. The Met Office recommends that drivers switch on their fog lights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and drive slowly. They also advised against using full beams, as fog can reflect light back, creating a dangerous visibility situation.
In addition to the yellow warning for Greater Manchester, another warning covers eastern England, stretching from York to Cambridge, including much of Peterborough. This second warning is expected to create similar travel issues for commuters in the eastern regions.
As the fog begins to lift later in the morning, conditions are predicted to improve, with sunny intervals expected by the afternoon. Temperatures in Manchester could reach up to 15°C as the day progresses. However, the Met Office warned that the fog could still cause delays during peak travel hours, particularly for flights.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, as there is a possibility of delays or cancellations due to the fog. The Met Office stated, "There is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights," particularly in areas close to airports affected by the fog.
Last week, the UK experienced a series of stormy weather conditions, including 400 lightning strikes in a single day, heavy rain, and hail, which resulted in flooding in some areas. The Environment Agency issued 22 flood alerts across parts of the country, including north Hampshire, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire.
Despite the recent stormy weather, the UK also recorded its warmest spring equinox since 1972 on March 20, with temperatures reaching 21°C in some regions. The Met Office has indicated that while the fog will clear, the weather will remain unsettled in the coming days.
Looking ahead to the forecast for March 27, the Met Office predicts that cloud and rain will move southeast, becoming heavy later in the day. Conditions are expected to cool down with sunny spells and scattered showers from March 28 through March 30.
Commuters and travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest weather developments and to take necessary precautions when traveling during foggy conditions. The Met Office has 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 meters.
- Be cautious of freezing fog, which may create icy conditions.
As the fog clears, the Met Office anticipates that normal travel conditions will resume, but the early morning fog has already caused significant disruptions. Commuters are encouraged to remain vigilant and to plan their journeys accordingly.
