The Met Office has issued advice telling UK drivers not to use full beam lights in fog this week, as patchy fog is forecast across parts of England following Storm Austen and Storm Boelo.
The latest forecast says there is "the possibility for some foggy mornings this week." Travelling in fog "can be extremely dangerous" as it can "drift rapidly and is often patchy," the Met Office has warned.
Fog forecast across England
On Thursday evening, fog is forecast to develop across central and eastern parts of England. It will also be "rather windy" in the far north and west, with possibly outbreaks of rain. On Friday, "areas of mist and fog will be slow to lift and clear."
In a recent blog post, the Met Office noted an "exceptionally unsettled spell" featuring Storm Austen and Storm Boelo that brought a period of wet and very windy weather. High pressure is forecast to bring much calmer and drier conditions over the coming days, "but fog could become an increasing hazard as Halloween approaches."
Five tips for drivers
Ahead of the fog hitting the UK, the Met Office has issued five tips for drivers travelling in these conditions. One says: "Do not use full beam lights, as the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility further."
Drivers are also reminded to "make sure you are familiar with how to operate your front and rear fog lights." In addition, motorists should follow the 'two-second rule' or "even increase the gap to four seconds to leave sufficient space between you and the car in front."
The vehicle's heater should be set to windscreen de-misting and all vents should be opened. Finally, "if visibility is limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic."
Calmer but not hazard-free
In a recent blog post, the Met Office said: "Calmer weather does not necessarily mean hazard-free weather. Clearer skies, lighter winds and moisture feeding in from the North Sea will create favourable conditions for fog, particularly overnight and during the early mornings.
"Fog may become slow to clear in prone locations, causing difficult driving conditions. High pressure is expected to remain influential into early November, especially across southern Britain, so the recent stormy weather could give way to a quieter but increasingly misty and foggy pattern."
