Rare pink fog grips UK skies as December morning turns rose-colored

A rare pink fog tinted the December morning skies across parts of the United Kingdom on Wednesday, drawing attention from social media users and local observers. The phenomenon was most noted in southeast England and London, where residents captured photos of a rose-colored canopy that stood out against the usual winter light. Met Office officials described pink fog as an optical effect that can occur when sunlight passes through fine material in the air such as dust or moisture, in just the right conditions. A Met Office spokesman explained that pink fog forms when sunlight passes through multiple layers of atmosphere and fog, filtering out blue light and allowing red wavelengths to dominate, effectively creating a sunrise-like glow.

In the hours that followed, social media posts showed motorists and pedestrians under the unusual color, with sightings concentrated in London and the southeast but also reported in other parts of southern England. The pink hue tends to be highly local and ephemeral, depending on how many layers of fog exist and how much particulate material is present in the air. Some observers described the color as a vivid Barbie-pink or a rose-tinted dawn, while others cautioned that the phenomenon can be missed entirely if you are not in the right place at the right time.

Pink fog is a natural atmospheric effect tied to the way sunlight interacts with fog. When the sun is low on the horizon, its light travels through more of the atmosphere; shorter wavelengths such as blue and green are scattered out, leaving longer red wavelengths to reach the eye. If fog droplets or fine dust are present, the filtered light can give the fog a pink or rosy hue. Experts emphasize that pink fog is not a weather hazard; it is an optical phenomenon that occurs only under a very specific set of conditions and is easy to miss.

Historically, pink fog has appeared in other places and times. A similar event in February 2019 covered parts of England’s southwest, including Somerset and Shropshire. In that case, observers reported a striking pink wash across the sky for a short period. Canadian observers in British Columbia also reported a pink fog-like effect on an unusually warm morning in January of the previous year, described by climate specialists as an exceptionally rare phenomenon that requires the right combination of atmosphere and fog thickness.

Meteorologists say the UK’s current outlook shows a foggy and frosty start for London and the southeast, with increasing cloud and a warming trend through the morning. The Met Office cautioned that rain could move east later in the day, with heavier bursts possible over high ground and the prospect of travel disruption in parts of Wales and southwestern, central and eastern England. A period of rain could accompany the clearing of fog in the afternoon and into the evening.

Beyond the immediate episode, some forecasters note that the December lull has included unseasonably warm spells. In parts of the country, temperatures have reached around 15 C (59 F) in recent days, while other areas have stayed above freezing for longer than typical for this time of year. Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist with British Weather Services, said the UK’s unusual warmth is linked to an energetic jet stream that has remained near or over the country since November. He described a pattern of warm, wet, and windy weather driven by the jet stream’s positioning, which has helped drive the ongoing mild spell ahead of Christmas.

Pink fog remains a reminder of the atmosphere’s complexity and the way light interacts with aerosols and fog droplets. While striking, the phenomenon does not indicate any abnormal weather hazard beyond the usual risks associated with fog, such as reduced visibility for drivers. Meteorologists emphasize that pink fog should be treated as a standard fog risk: slow down, use headlights, and allow extra time for travel if conditions are dense.

The UK’s weather continues to evolve, and forecasters say the pink hue is a fleeting optical effect rather than a signal of any broader climatic shift. Local conditions—fog thickness, humidity, air quality, and the exact angle of the sun—will determine whether observers in a given area see the color and for how long. The Met Office notes that while such events are captivating for photographers and early-morning walkers, they remain rare and unpredictable, lasting from a few minutes to perhaps a brief window of time on a clear morning if the atmosphere is just right.

We should also note that pink fog’s visibility tends to be greatest in low-lying areas with moisture and particulate matter near the ground, which tends to concentrate around urban centers and valley floors after night-time cooling. As daylight grows stronger, the fog can dissipate, and the pink tint fades away as usual weather patterns resume for the day.

But the overall message from meteorologists remains the same: pink fog is an optical curiosity, and its appearance is not a forecast indicator of changing climate; instead, it reflects the complex interplay of sunlight, fog, and atmospheric particles under specific, localized conditions.