Drivers across East Anglia were warned to prepare for treacherous conditions on Monday morning after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for fog.
The advisory, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, came into effect overnight and was expected to last until around 09:00 BST. Motorists heading out for the start of the working week were urged to exercise extra caution, with some areas experiencing particularly dense fog.
According to the Met Office, visibility in certain locations could fall as low as 50 metres (164 feet), creating hazardous conditions for road users. “There is a risk of slower journey times and delays, with drivers urged to maintain safe distances and adjust their speed,” a spokesperson said.
The forecaster also highlighted the possibility of travel disruption beyond the roads. Dense fog can often cause delays or cancellations at regional airports, though as of 06:40 BST no disruptions had been reported at Stansted, Norwich or Southend airports.
Highways officials reminded drivers to use dipped headlights in fog, avoid full beam, and allow additional time for journeys. “When visibility is low, reaction times can be reduced. It’s important to drive carefully and remain vigilant of other road users,” the AA motoring service advised.
The yellow warning was the latest in a series of autumn weather alerts, with forecasters noting that clear skies overnight allowed temperatures to drop, encouraging fog to form. East Anglia’s flat landscape often makes it more susceptible to prolonged fog, which can linger well into the morning rush hour.
Local police also urged caution, particularly for those travelling on rural roads and motorways where fog can appear suddenly. “We’ve already had reports of difficult driving conditions in some low-lying areas,” a Norfolk Police spokesperson confirmed.
By mid-morning, forecasters expected conditions to gradually improve as the fog lifted and visibility returned to safer levels. However, drivers were reminded that pockets of mist could persist in sheltered areas even after the main fog bank cleared.
The Met Office emphasised that yellow warnings are issued to encourage awareness and caution, rather than signal severe or extreme conditions. Nonetheless, the risk of accidents increases significantly when visibility is restricted.
As the week continues, forecasters predicted more settled weather, though the potential for further fog patches overnight remains likely. Motorists are advised to check Met Office updates before travelling during early mornings.
For now, the warning serves as a reminder of the seasonal shift, as shorter days and colder nights increase the likelihood of fog disrupting commutes across East Anglia.
