London Pollution Warning: Fog Raises Health, Travel Risks
(MENAFN) London authorities issued a high air pollution warning on Monday after stagnant air, thick fog and weak winds caused harmful pollutants to accumulate over the weekend, as weather officials cautioned that poor visibility could disrupt transport across parts of the UK.
Mayor Sadiq Khan called on Londoners to “minimise their exposure” to polluted air, according to a statement from his office.
The alert was recommended by forecasters at Imperial College London after atmospheric conditions allowed pollution levels to rise and remain elevated into Monday morning, the mayor's office said.
Smoke from Bonfire Night celebrations and Diwali fireworks was also identified as a possible contributing factor.
Residents were encouraged to limit unnecessary car journeys and refrain from avoidable burning activities at home to help reduce pollution levels.
Mete Coban, London's deputy mayor for environment and energy, warned that air pollution contributes to thousands of premature deaths in the capital annually. He urged residents to take precautions, particularly to safeguard vulnerable members of the population.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a yellow fog warning covering parts of England and Wales until 10 am local time (1000GMT) on Monday. Officials cautioned that visibility could drop below 100 meters (328 feet), potentially causing significant delays to road, railway and air services.
The warning extended across areas between Luton and Manchester. Forecasters expected the fog to dissipate during the morning, although colder temperatures and frosty weather were anticipated later in the week.
The latest warning follows major traffic disruption on Saturday, when a collision involving more than 30 vehicles forced the closure of part of the M20 motorway in Kent. Two people sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said increasing cloud cover and stronger winds were expected to reduce the likelihood of further widespread fog.
Mayor Sadiq Khan called on Londoners to “minimise their exposure” to polluted air, according to a statement from his office.
The alert was recommended by forecasters at Imperial College London after atmospheric conditions allowed pollution levels to rise and remain elevated into Monday morning, the mayor's office said.
Smoke from Bonfire Night celebrations and Diwali fireworks was also identified as a possible contributing factor.
Residents were encouraged to limit unnecessary car journeys and refrain from avoidable burning activities at home to help reduce pollution levels.
Mete Coban, London's deputy mayor for environment and energy, warned that air pollution contributes to thousands of premature deaths in the capital annually. He urged residents to take precautions, particularly to safeguard vulnerable members of the population.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a yellow fog warning covering parts of England and Wales until 10 am local time (1000GMT) on Monday. Officials cautioned that visibility could drop below 100 meters (328 feet), potentially causing significant delays to road, railway and air services.
The warning extended across areas between Luton and Manchester. Forecasters expected the fog to dissipate during the morning, although colder temperatures and frosty weather were anticipated later in the week.
The latest warning follows major traffic disruption on Saturday, when a collision involving more than 30 vehicles forced the closure of part of the M20 motorway in Kent. Two people sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said increasing cloud cover and stronger winds were expected to reduce the likelihood of further widespread fog.
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