London is experiencing high levels of air pollution, prompting Mayor Sadiq Khan to issue an alert for Tuesday, November 10. The buildup of pollutants is attributed to dense fog that settled over south-east England, combined with light winds.
Authorities are advising individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions. Drivers have been warned to switch off their engines when stationary, and residents have been advised against burning garden waste, as these actions can exacerbate pollution levels.
The Met Office issued a yellow fog alert across much of England and Wales, forecasting visibility to drop below 100 meters in some areas. This persistent fog, which began over the weekend, has allowed pollution to accumulate. Authorities also suggest that smoke from recent Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks celebrations may have contributed to the elevated pollution.
"I urge everyone in the capital, especially those most vulnerable, to stay safe and follow health advice to minimise their exposure," Mr. Khan stated Monday night. "Please switch off engines when idling and avoid burning garden waste, which contributes to pollution."
The foggy conditions have already caused disruptions at London's airports, leading to the cancellation of several flights from Heathrow and London City airports on Monday morning. Heathrow Airport advised travelers to allow extra time for journeys due to reduced visibility on roads.
Niamh Murray, an operational meteorologist at the Met Office, described the current weather as a "perfect recipe" for fog formation. She explained that longer nights and lower temperatures in autumn and winter create conditions conducive to saturation and fog development. Light winds are also a key factor. "We just have the perfect recipe at the moment: light winds, clear skies, long nights, to allow that fog to develop," Murray said.
The AA has cautioned drivers to exercise extra care, recommending reduced speeds, increased following distances, and the use of dipped headlights, as automatic headlights may not detect fog effectively. They also reminded drivers to switch off fog lights once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.
"Fog can transform a familiar road in a matter of minutes, so drivers need to be prepared to adapt their speed and leave more room between themselves and the vehicle ahead," said AA president Edmund King. "Give yourself extra time, slow down and drive to what you can actually see ahead."