Sunday Sunset Drive: Low Sun and Cooler Return | JUFO

Sunday 4 October is ending with a very different driving challenge from the foggy start. The Met Office forecast for Esher shows sunshine at 17:00, a temperature near 21°C, very good visibility and less than a 5% chance of rain. Sunset is at 18:32, followed by a clear evening as temperatures fall to about 16°C at 19:00 and 12°C by 23:00. The road may look easy, but low sun, fading light and a rapid temperature change deserve a deliberate reset.

Prepare for glare before joining the road

Low autumn sun can sit directly in a driver's sightline and make a clean-looking windscreen reveal every smear. Before moving, clean the inside and outside of the glass, make sure washer fluid is available and check that the wipers leave a clear sweep. Position the sun visor while parked and keep suitable sunglasses within reach, not loose on the dashboard or buried in a bag.

Slow down before the view becomes difficult. Glare can hide brake lights, cyclists, pedestrians and traffic signals even when the wider forecast says visibility is very good. Increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and avoid staring directly at the bright area. If the view is not adequate, pull over in a safe place and wait for the angle of the sun to change.

Switch from daylight to night driving early

The Highway Code requires headlights between sunset and sunrise. Do not wait for complete darkness before checking the controls. Use dipped headlights as daylight fades, particularly on shaded roads, and confirm that rear lights are illuminated rather than relying only on daytime running lights. Clean lenses help other road users see the vehicle during the transition from bright sun to dusk.

At 17:00 the forecast is sunny and warm for October, but the temperature is expected to drop by around 5°C within two hours. That change can encourage condensation when warm cabin air meets cooling glass. Set the ventilation and demister before the screen begins to haze. If the windscreen will not remain clear, stop safely rather than driving through a restricted patch.

Reset the cabin for a darker return

Secure shopping, bottles and day-trip equipment before leaving. Nothing should slide under the pedals or become a loose object under hard braking. Check phone charge and route settings while stationary, then put the phone away. If the return journey is longer, plan a proper service-area stop instead of trying to manage tiredness with an arbitrary arrival target.

Keep equipment accessible without creating clutter

Emergency equipment only helps when occupants know where it is and can reach it. Choose a secure mounting point or close-fitting door-pocket holder that does not interfere with airbags, seat movement or controls. Show regular passengers the location, then check it occasionally rather than allowing the tool to disappear under everyday items.

The same principle applies to a torch, power bank and high-visibility vest. Store them securely and inspect batteries or charge levels before a journey, not during an incident. A bright, dry evening is the ideal time to make these checks because there is no pressure from bad weather.

Finish the evening with tomorrow in mind

The regional forecast says the night should remain dry with clear spells, while some mist or fog may develop later. When parking, leave the lights off only after the vehicle is secure, clear rubbish from the cabin and place keys and driving glasses where they can be found without rushing. Check the latest local forecast again before Monday travel because overnight visibility can change over short distances.

This evening's safest routine is simple: clean the glass before low sun becomes a problem, turn on dipped headlights as daylight fades, secure the cabin and expect a much cooler return. The forecast is calm, so preparation should be calm too.

Sources: Met Office London and South East England forecast; Met Office Esher hourly forecast; The Highway Code: lighting and general driving rules; The Highway Code: adverse-weather visibility.