Fog after the storms: Met Office warns of difficult driving conditions across the UK

After a windy and wet spell, the UK's weather is starting to settle. The Met Office says high pressure will bring lighter winds and less rain in the second half of the week, but also a greater risk of fog. The BBC reports that this could make commutes more difficult.

After Storms Austen and Boelo

The Met Office notes that recent days have been exceptionally unsettled. Storms Austen and Boelo were followed by another, unnamed low-pressure system. According to provisional data, Storm Austen brought gusts of up to 69 knots, about 70 mph, on the Isle of Wight. The next system brought gusts of 60–70 mph in exposed locations.

On Tuesday 27 October 2026, Met Office yellow warnings were still in force across much of Scotland and the north coast of Northern Ireland. On Wednesday 28 October it is expected to remain breezy, especially in the northern half of the country.

When the fog will arrive

The main change will come overnight from Wednesday to Thursday 29 October. High pressure will spread across the UK and winds will ease, particularly in central and eastern areas. After the wet days the air is moist, so the Met Office says fog is more likely. Some of it could be dense and take several hours to lift after sunrise.

On Friday 30 October, high pressure is set to stay over the east of the country. Central and eastern England could again wake to stubborn fog, with patches lingering through much of the morning in places. It should brighten up in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach about 13–15°C, and up to 16°C on the south coast.

Weekend and Halloween

In the west and north-west, weather fronts from the Atlantic may move in on Friday, though the timing of the rain is uncertain. On Saturday 31 October a front may bring rain to northern Britain. In the south, high pressure should dominate and keep it dry, but light winds may allow mist, low cloud and fog to form.

What this means for you

People who commute by car, especially in the morning in central and eastern England, should expect poorer visibility and longer journey times on Thursday and Friday. It is worth checking the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings, and traffic information, before setting off.