Residents in four regions of the UK have been warned about potential flight disruptions due to a weather alert issued by the Met Office. December has kicked off with heavy rainfall across various areas, accompanied by an amber rain warning for Monday. Additionally, temperatures are dropping below freezing in some parts of the country.
The Met Office has now issued a yellow weather warning for fog in the southern regions of East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex. The warning highlights the possibility of travel disturbances, including flight cancellations, as visibility could decrease to less than 100 meters.
According to the warning, freezing fog is anticipated to form in southeast England on Thursday night before dissipating on Friday morning. There may be patches of ice on untreated surfaces following daytime rainfall on Thursday. To avoid delays, the public is advised to check road conditions, allow extra travel time, and ensure fog lights are functional before commencing any journey.
Bus, train, and flight services may also be impacted, and individuals are urged to stay updated with travel providers for guidance. Overnight temperatures are expected to be particularly cold in southern England and Wales, potentially reaching -1°C, with a general trend of bitterly cold conditions across the country.
The Met Office’s forecast indicates a rapid drop in temperatures on Thursday night, especially in southeast England, leading to possible ice and fog formation. Friday is projected to bring more rain and strong winds sweeping in from the southwest and spreading nationwide.
Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert warns of continued unsettled weather into the upcoming weekend and following week. The highest rainfall amounts are predicted over high terrains in south Wales, southwest England, Cumbria, southwest Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with 20-30 mm of rain likely within a 6-9 hour timeframe. Given the saturation levels from prior rainfall, localized flooding and travel disruptions are plausible, especially in western regions.