Extreme fog blanketing Britain is causing travel chaos for thousands as dozens of flights have been cancelled across UK airports.

The pea-souper conditions have plagued the country for several days now, with a football match Tranmere Rovers’ game and Accrington Stanley postponed on Boxing Day.

Now UK airports have issued urgent announcements about flight cancellations, with at least 20 flights at Heathrow cancelled another 29 delayed, Gatwick has so far seen 26 delayed and one has been cancelled.

At Manchester Airport air traffic controllers have enforced restrictions on flights due to the misty conditions but at the time of writing no disruptions had occurred.

Nats, the UK’s main air traffic control provider, said on Saturday temporary air restrictions would remain in place in areas with low visibility. A spokesperson added: “Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety. We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information.

“Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption.”

Charts from forecaster Ventusky.com showed large swathes of southern England and Wales covered in fog this morning (Dec 28), although the mist is expected to clear somewhat as the day progresses.

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day.

“London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information.”

Flights were delayed by up to three hours from Gatwick on Friday evening because of poor conditions. Sunday is expected to be the airport’s busiest day during the holiday period, with 769 flights planned.

Thick fog patches could reduce visibility to just 100 metres in some areas across the country, the Met Office said.

In a forecast for today the weather agency said: “It will be a cloudy and murky day for much of England and Wales, with patchy fog and drizzle. Rain across Scotland will slowly clear southeastwards through the day, with sunny spells and blustery showers following behind.

“Light rain continues to move southeast with cloudy, murky conditions to the south of it. Clearer, cooler and breezier conditions following, but rain arriving across northwest Scotland.

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland next week and said heavy rain could bring “significant disruption” in the build-up to Hogmanay.

Rain warnings are in place for much of Scotland on December 30 and 31 apart from Orkney and Shetland. According to the forecaster, 50-70mm of rain is possible over the two days in many areas, while some places may see 100-140mm – with these higher totals most likely over western Scotland.

Some areas may also see snow, especially in northern Scotland and over high ground, while strong winds could bring further disruption, particularly on New Year’s Eve.

Today:

It will be a cloudy and murky day for much of England and Wales, with patchy fog and drizzle. Rain across Scotland will slowly clear southeastwards through the day, with sunny spells and blustery showers following behind.

Tonight:

Light rain continues to move southeast with cloudy, murky conditions to the south of it. Clearer, cooler and breezier conditions following, but rain arriving across northwest Scotland.

Sunday:

Rain, heavy at times, slowly edges south across Scotland. Elsewhere, breezier than of late and brighter with some sunny spells. A little light rain possible over western hills.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Windy on Monday with outbreaks of rain. Remaining unsettled over New Year’s Eve and into the new year with rain and hill snow in the north. Turning colder for most.