Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 7 hrs ago
London issues high air pollution alert as fog and light winds trap pollution
London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a high air pollution alert for Tuesday, 10 November, after pollution built up in the capital.
Dense fog and light winds over south-east England helped trap pollution, while smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks may also have contributed.
The alert urges people at greater risk to limit their exposure and advises drivers to switch off engines when stopped and residents not to burn garden waste.
The Met Office issued a yellow fog warning for much of England and Wales, with visibility possibly falling below 100 metres.
Fog disrupted flights at Heathrow and London City airports, where seven and three flights respectively had been cancelled by 6.30am.
Drivers are advised to slow down and use dipped headlights, and to leave more space between vehicles.
The fog may be slow to clear, and travellers were advised to check with their airline and allow extra time for journeys to Heathrow.
London was placed under a high air pollution alert as dense fog and light winds allowed pollution to build up.
Mayor Sadiq Khan urged people, especially those most vulnerable, to follow health advice and reduce their exposure.
Drivers were asked to switch off engines when stationary, and homeowners were advised not to burn garden waste.
Smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks may also have contributed to pollution levels.
Fog also disrupted flights at Heathrow and London City airports.
- Who
- Londoners, with particular concern for people most vulnerable to air pollution. Mayor Sadiq Khan issued the alert.
- What
- London was placed under a high air pollution alert after pollution accumulated in foggy, still conditions.
- When
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
- Where
- London and south-east England.
- Why
- Dense fog and light winds allowed pollution to build up. Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks smoke may also have contributed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dense fog and light winds began allowing pollution to accumulate.
Fog affected south-east England, and seven Heathrow flights and three London City flights were cancelled by 6.30am.
Sadiq Khan issued a high air pollution alert for London.
- Alert
- High air pollution alert for London
- Mayor
- Sadiq Khan
- Date
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026
- Airport cancellations
- 7 flights from Heathrow and 3 from London City by 6.30am
- Visibility forecast
- Could drop below 100 metres
What people are saying
I’m triggering a high air pollution alert for London on Tuesday 10 November.
I urge everyone in the capital, especially those most vulnerable, to stay safe and follow health advice to minimise their exposure.
We just have the perfect recipe at the moment: light winds, clear skies, long nights, to allow that fog to develop.
Fog can transform a familiar road in a matter of minutes, so drivers need to be prepared to adapt their speed and leave more room between themselves and the vehicle ahead.