Sunday 18 December 2016 9:11 pm

London to be cloaked in fog tomorrow says Met Office and a London White Christmas doesn’t look likely

Dense fog will descend on London tomorrow, hampering efforts to either get into the capital for work or get away from it for the Christmas holidays.

Today, fog stubbornly held its ground leading to the capital's airports warning of flight delays and cancellations – it was the second day those looking to make an early departure for the festive season had been hit by adverse conditions.

And weather forecasters are predicting a similar trend for Monday.

"Similar to Sunday with mist and fog likely to be slow to clear," the Met Office revealed, adding some areas maybe "eventually brighter".

With challenging driver conditions, those jumping in cars trying to avoid tomorrow's Rail Maritime and Transport union strike on Southern rail may be dismayed as their already tricky journey to work could be hampered further.

The good news is the fog is not expected to last for a fourth day on Tuesday. The Met Office said skies over the capital would clear on Tuesday, although more overcast weather is expected from Wednesday onwards.

I'm dreamin', of a…

Looking towards next weekend, the chances of a White Christmas in the capital are diminishing.

Although frosty, temperatures could almost reach double-digits on Friday.

"A succession of deep Atlantic depressions will bring bands of heavy rain east across all parts, although sheltered eastern and south-eastern areas should see some reasonable drier interludes too. Winds will often be strong, with periods of gales, and the potential for some stormy conditions at times in the northwest," the Met Office outlined.

Bookmaker Betfred was offering odds of 8/1 for a London White Christmas. Perhaps more reflective of expectations, the returns for betting against one were 1/20 – or returns of £1.05 for every £1 staked.

The last widespread White Christmas was in 2010 according to the Met Office.