Why is London so gray and foggy now? Anticyclonic gloom explained

London has a rather unfair reputation for being consistently grey. Gray buildings, gray suits, gray sidewalks, gray skies. This city is actually one of the greenest in Europewe’ll let you know. But you’re right, it has has been particularly dull and dreary lately.

The past few days have seen a notable lack of sunshine, little rain and a lot of fog and mist – much more than is usual for this time of year. And there’s a good chance it will stay that way for a while. This is why.

Why is London so gray now?

The bad weather is a result of the high pressure in the atmosphere. It brings little cloud cover and minimal wind.

The Met Office said this weather phenomenon is known as ‘anticyclonic gloom’.

What is Anticyclonic Gloom?

It is when high pressure traps moisture close to the Earth’s surface. This moisture then forms low clouds, mist and fog that does not lift because the sun is weak and the wind is light.

When temperatures drop at night, moisture condenses and low clouds thicken again.

The persistent clouds also cause pollutants to build up and degrade air quality, especially in cities like London.

How long will it take in London?

Gloomy, cloudy skies will continue in London this weekend, with some drizzle expected. The Met Office has forecast that the next spell of sunshine will occur on Monday, November 11, but adds that after that there is ‘currently significant uncertainty as to how quickly conditions will become more unsettled’.

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There is still plenty to do in the city, even if the weather is bad. Here is the best things to do indoors and the best indoor activities in london for kids.

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