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High Pollution Alert Hits London: Fog and Fireworks Blamed
10 Nov
Summary
- London issued a high pollution alert due to dense fog and particle pollution.
- Particle pollution levels exceeded WHO guidelines, especially in Hillingdon.
- Fireworks and bonfires contributed to smog, impacting transport and health.
A high pollution alert was issued for London on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as dense fog combined with particle pollution caused air quality to deteriorate significantly. Levels exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines, prompting the Mayor to urge citizens to minimize exposure.
The smog is attributed to a combination of factors, including lingering smoke from recent Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations, alongside calm winds and foggy conditions that prevented pollutants from dispersing. Hillingdon in west London registered particularly high PM2.5 levels.
Official monitoring sites across London, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and the east of England recorded 'high' or 'very high' pollution levels. This situation poses risks of traffic disruptions and delays to public transport, including potential flight cancellations.
Authorities advised Londoners to reduce pollution by using public transport, avoiding idling engines, and refraining from unnecessary burning. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to tackle toxic air, which is linked to thousands of premature deaths annually in the city.
