Barnet residents face high air‑pollution alert as London fog lingers

The mayor of London announced a high air‑pollution alert for the capital on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, after a weekend of dense fog and fireworks. The alert applies to all boroughs, including Barnet, and follows a yellow fog warning issued by the Met Office for parts of England and Wales.

Why the alert was triggered

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Forecasters at Imperial College London advised Lord Sadiq Khan of Tooting to activate the alert after light winds allowed pollutants to accumulate over the weekend, the mayor’s office said as reported by the Standard. The Standard also noted that smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks likely added to the particle load.

Defra’s air‑quality index recorded a rating of 10 out of 10 for the South East on 8 November 2026, the highest possible score, according to the verified claims. The rating reflects elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter across the region.

Health advice for Barnet households

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The mayor’s office warned Londoners to look after themselves, recommending walking, cycling or using public transport rather than driving. Residents were told to keep windows closed and avoid unnecessary burning at home. Mete Coban, deputy mayor for environment and energy, said, “Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it.”

Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it.

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy

Transport and weather impacts

The Met Office warned that the fog could reduce visibility to less than 100 metres and cause slower journey times, possible delays to public transport and occasional flight cancellations, as reported by the Standard. The yellow warning ended at 10 am on Tuesday, when the fog was expected to thin.

What happens next

Barnet Council will monitor local air‑quality readings and update residents through its website and social media channels. The mayor’s office said the alert will be reviewed each morning and may be lifted if pollutant levels fall below the high threshold. Residents can register for alerts via the London Air Quality Network.