Saturday 3 October begins with a genuine change in visibility rather than severe weather. The Met Office forecast for London and south-east England, updated at 04:00, says the day will start cloudy and dry, become brighter at times and may bring only an odd spot of rain. Light winds are expected, with most places staying dry. The hourly forecast for Esher is more specific: mist is shown around 05:00 and 06:00, followed by sunshine or brighter intervals through the morning and more cloud later.
Treat the first mile as a visibility check
Before an early departure, clear every window, mirror and exterior light. Use the demister until the inside of the windscreen is fully clear rather than wiping a small viewing patch. Mist can vary over a short distance, especially near rivers, low ground and open fields, so a clear road at home does not guarantee the same view a few miles away.
The Highway Code says drivers entering fog should check their mirrors and slow down. You should be able to stop well within the distance you can see clearly, use wipers and demisters, and keep a safe gap. Front or rear fog lights must not be used unless visibility is seriously reduced, and they must be switched off when visibility improves because they can dazzle others and obscure brake lights.
Build flexibility into a Saturday day trip
Today is expected to brighten, with temperatures rising from about 11°C early in Esher towards a warmer afternoon. That makes a day trip reasonable, but the return may look different from the outward journey as cloud increases and the chance of a light spot of rain rises later. Check the latest route and weather while parked before leaving each stop. Choose a planned service area or public car park for breaks rather than making an improvised roadside stop.
Keep the journey plan simple: confirm fuel or battery range, allow time for slower traffic around attractions and retail areas, and avoid a timetable that depends on every leg running perfectly. A flexible departure time is useful when mist clears slowly or a busy destination needs a different approach. If the windscreen becomes smeared in light rain, use the washers and wipers early so glare and road film do not build up.
Prepare the boot without creating loose hazards
A weekend trip often adds coats, bags, shopping and children’s items to the car. Pack heavy items low and against the rear seat backs, secure anything that could move under braking, and keep the parcel shelf and rear view clear. An emergency kit should have a fixed place where it can be reached after stopping safely, not buried beneath luggage.
Useful basics include a charged power bank, torch, high-visibility clothing, tyre inflator, first-aid supplies and clear information for the breakdown provider. Check dates, batteries and condition regularly. Preparation is not a reason to attempt roadside repairs in a dangerous location; its purpose is to help occupants stay visible, communicate clearly and follow professional instructions.
JUFO weekend travel pick
JUFO 3-in-1 Roadside Breakdown Kit — £17.95
A compact set for routine weekend preparation, combining practical roadside visibility and tyre-support essentials in one organised kit. Store it securely in the boot and inspect it before longer journeys.
Know the safe sequence if the car develops a problem
If the vehicle develops a fault, the Highway Code advises getting to a place of relative safety where possible. On a motorway, move left and use an emergency area or hard shoulder if you can. Switch on hazard warning lights and, when it is safe, leave by the side furthest from traffic and move well away from the vehicle. If you cannot reach relative safety or exit safely, stay belted in the vehicle, keep hazard lights on and call 999 for the police.
For today, the practical sequence is straightforward: clear the glass before the early mist, adjust speed to what you can see, recheck the forecast before the return and keep the boot organised. Brighter morning breaks and light winds should make much of the day comfortable. A little preparation covers the change back to cloud without turning an ordinary Saturday journey into a rushed one.
Sources: Met Office London and South East England forecast; Met Office Esher hourly forecast; The Highway Code: driving in adverse weather; The Highway Code: breakdowns and incidents.
