A significant weather pattern is set to bring snow to London at the end of the first working week of 2026. Meteorological reports indicate a substantial snowstorm approaching the city, with forecasts predicting heavy snowfall on Friday, January 9.
Upcoming Weather Events in London
The weather map shows a massive wall of snow moving towards London. Forecasters from WX Charts have highlighted that the arrival is expected around 9 AM this upcoming Friday. The intensity of the snowfall will be indicated by purple shading on the weather map, with darker shades indicating heavier snow.
Temperature Forecast
As the storm approaches, temperatures will drop significantly. By Tuesday, January 6, nighttime lows could reach -3°C. The following brief temperature outlook is provided:
- Monday, January 5: High of 2°C, Low of -4°C, sunny with light winds.
- Tuesday, January 6: High of 4°C, Low of 2°C, sunny intervals and light winds.
- Wednesday, January 7: High of 5°C, Low of 2°C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.
- Thursday, January 8: High of 7°C, Low of 4°C, light rain and light winds.
- Friday, January 9: High of 6°C, Low of 1°C, light rain and a moderate breeze.
- Saturday, January 10: High of 5°C, Low of 4°C, light rain and light winds.
- Sunday, January 11: High of 9°C, Low of 6°C, light rain showers and a gentle breeze.
Warnings and Precautions
Currently, London has not been placed under a weather warning, unlike other regions in the UK. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across several areas, including:
- Northern Ireland
- Wales
- The Midlands
- East Anglia
- Parts of northern England
These warnings indicate potential hazards such as slips, falls, and transportation disruptions. Some areas are under amber warnings, alerting residents to the possibility of rural isolation, power outages, and train cancellations.
Challenges in Snow Forecasting
Forecasting snowfall in London can be complex, primarily due to varying local temperatures. Meteorologist Ian Currie explains that altitude plays a crucial role. Areas just 25 meters apart can experience different precipitation types—snow may fall at higher elevations while rain occurs lower down.
This variability explains why specific neighborhoods might see snow while others do not. Currie points out that locations like South Croydon could experience ten more days of snow compared to nearby regions. The intricacies of weather systems mean small changes can drastically alter predictions.
With this snowstorm forecasted, residents should stay informed about the evolving weather conditions as the week progresses.
