Heavy fog and freezing temperatures caused the cancellation of dozens of flights yesterday and prompted London mayor Sadiq Khan to issue his first alert for “very high” air pollution.
“This is the highest level of alert and everyone — from the most vulnerable to the physically fit — may need to take precautions to protect themselves from the filthy air,” Khan said in a statement.
King’s College London, which provides air quality forecasts and monitoring through its London Air website, said it expects freezing fog to cause “very high” air pollution again today.
“The long period of cold, settled conditions has allowed pollution to build over several days, and with no significant change in conditions forecast, high particulate pollution is expected across the capital,” it said.
It said the freezing conditions and fog had combined with local pollution and “some import of pollution from the [European] continent on Sunday.”
London’s main airport, Heathrow, said the heavy fog was expected to disrupt flights again today, advising passengers to check with airlines before travelling.
Gatwick, London’s second airport, also reported many flight delays and cancellations yesterday. Freezing fog disrupts flights, prompts air pollution alert in London
People walk along The Embankment during a foggy morning in London.
