22 December, 2006

After the mild weather the UK has been experiencing over the last few months, the last week has come as a real shock to the system.

High pressure has moved in across the UK, finally bringing more settled weather and putting an end to the severe flooding that was experienced over the last few weeks.

The high pressure, even though it has brought settled weather has also brought about its own problems. The large area of high pressure has centred itself over the country making the air very still, allowing for some dense fog to form.

During Tuesday evening a thick dense freezing fog descended on much of the country causing havoc with travel.

The fog cleared from much of Scotland, Wales and the southwest of England on Wednesday afternoon, but continued to linger on across central and southeastern parts of England.

The fog has been so thick and relentless in the southeast that it has played havoc with people travelling home for Christmas and off on their holidays, with Heathrow having to cancel hundreds of domestic and European arrivals and departures. Cardiff International as well as Birmingham had cancellations and long delays.

The high pressure is expected to sit over the UK into the Christmas week, bringing yet more fog and more disruption to travel is definitely a possibility.

Keep your eye on the forecast over the next few days and allow extra time for your journeys.