Britons across the United Kingdom awoke to a rose-tinted Wednesday this week as dense fog enveloped various regions, creating a captivating weather spectacle during the morning commute.
Stunning new photographs captured on December 17 showcased individuals navigating through the country under a pinkish hue caused by a rare atmospheric event. London and the surrounding areas seemed to bear the brunt of the phenomenon, with drivers struggling to navigate the misty conditions on narrow rural roads where visibility was severely limited.
Scientists have attributed this cotton candy-like phenomenon to the refraction of sunlight, resulting in varying shades depending on how the light interacts with moisture particles in the air.
According to Grahame Madge, a representative from the Met Office, the pinkish tint occurs when sunlight filters through multiple cloud layers, filtering out the blue wavelengths and allowing the red hues to dominate. Madge explained that this effect is akin to a sunrise passing through the atmosphere and fog, creating the distinctive pinkish glow that varies based on local conditions.
While Britons have encountered this phenomenon sporadically over the years, the last prominent occurrence was in 2022 when London’s Canary Wharf was bathed in a surreal rosy light. Experts note that such events are rare due to the specific atmospheric conditions required for their manifestation.
Social media was abuzz with awe and excitement as individuals shared their experiences of waking up to a pink-tinged landscape, with one user describing the scene as “soooo pink this morning in Hertfordshire.” Another marveled at the “sunrise pink fog,” expressing delight at the sight. A TikTok user humorously likened the foggy setting to being “up in the mountains” on her residential street.
The pink and purple fog gradually dissipated later in the morning, giving way to slightly damp conditions, particularly in London, as the sun rose higher in the sky.
Commuters, particularly in central London, captured breathtaking aerial footage of the pink-tinged clouds during the early morning hours. Drivers navigating through the thick fog, especially in London and the Home Counties, were met with a mesmerizing yet challenging journey on their way to work.
Experts emphasize the rarity of this weather phenomenon, noting that the last notable occurrence of the rose-hued fog was a few years ago in 2022, leaving many Britons captivated by the enchanting display.