UK weather: Met Office issues yellow warning sparking travel chaos with chance of flights being CANCELLED
BRITS have been issued two yellow weather warnings that could spark travel chaos and cancel flights.
The Met Office warned heavy fog may cause disruption across large areas of the country today.
Yellow weather alerts have been placed over much of Manchester and parts of Stoke-on-Trent.
The notice came into force at 4am and ends at 10am, but Met Office meteorologists warned there could be “slower journey times with delays to bus and train services possible”.
“There is a chance of delays of cancellations to flights,” the agency added.
Another yellow fog warning covers the north east of England, stretching from York all the way down to Cambridge, and including much of Peterborough.
It is in place from 4am until 10am, with the Met Office issuing the same advice.
To drive safely in fog, the weather agency urges motorists to know where their fog light switch is before they set off.
Fog lights should be used once visibility drops below 100 metres, which is around the length of a football pitch.
It is also advised to allow a bigger distance between you and the car ahead.
Experts also warn drivers not to use full beam because the fog will reflect light back.
The weather forecast remains dry for the rest of the day, with sunny spells across much of the UK accompanied by light breezes.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Temperature highs of 16C are expected in London by midafternoon, with averages elsewhere hovering between 13C and 14C.
This follows a spell of stormy weather than battered the UK last week.
The country was hit by around 400 lightning strikes in just a day.
Heavy rain, hail and thunder thrashed southern England and the East Midlands on Saturday.
The heavy rainfall caused some flooding with one warning in place on Sunday.
Flood alerts from the Environment Agency remain in place for 22 parts of the country including north Hampshire, Salisbury and Hertfordshire.
National Highways said parts of the M18 in Yorkshire were closed on Saturday.
Parts of the M40 near Warwick also remained closed on Sunday.
Although, the UK did see its warmest spring equinox day since 1972 on March 20 as temperatures reached 21°C in parts of the country.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today
Dry for many with plenty of warm sunny spells, once any morning mist and fog clears. Cloud and outbreaks of rain will move into northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland later.
Tonight
Windy in the northwest as rain slowly moves southeast. Cloudy in the south and west with patchy drizzle over hills. Clear spells elsewhere, with mist and fog patches by dawn.
Thursday
Cloud and rain continues to sink southeast, becoming heavy and persistent later. Ahead of this, mist and fog clearing to leave a dry day with some sunny spells.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Rain eventually clears southeast through Friday, with cooler weather, sunny spells and scattered showers following. Further rain possible in the west on Saturday, but drier overall on Sunday.