London pollution warning after fog and fireworks

A high air pollution alert for the capital has been issued by the mayor of London after a weekend of dense fog and fireworks.

Forecasters at Imperial College London advised Lord Sadiq Khan to trigger the alert after "dense fog and very light winds allowed pollution to build up", according to the mayor's office.

It said smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks "is likely to have contributed".

Londoners have been warned to "look after themselves" as high levels of particle pollution are forecast. They have also been advised to walk, cycle and use public transport more frequently, drive less and avoid unnecessary burning at home.

The alert is the fourth issued in the capital this year, with the last one made in June during a heatwave.

Additional details have been shared with London's GPs and emergency departments, to make sure they have the correct information to help vulnerable patients, the mayor's office said.

City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools, and London boroughs when moderate, high or very high air pollution is forecast.

High air pollution alerts are also displayed at public locations across London, including all bus stop countdown signs, as well as on the Underground.

Lingering fog is expected to clear during Tuesday morning, but is expected to give way to cooler and frosty weather later in the week.

Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Persistent high pressure has brought light winds and clear skies, allowing fog to form, while weak November sunshine has meant it is fairly slow to clear.

"We're expecting one more night of dense fog, with a warning in place for some areas. Increasing cloud and wind should then limit further widespread fog from developing."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk