London Weather Alert: Arctic Blast Brings Snow and Ice to Start 2026

Cold Snap Grips the Capital

London is experiencing a dramatic shift in weather conditions as 2026 kicks off with a blast of snow for parts of the UK, including the capital. Amber and yellow National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued for snow and ice as Arctic air brings a prolonged spell of very cold weather for the start of the new year.

Temperatures in London will drop as low as -1C from Saturday January 3 2026, with snow on both Saturday and Sunday. The BBC predicts that light snowfall is expected between 8am and 11am on Saturday January 3, with another period of snow forecast for Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

What to Expect This Week

Early rain, sleet or light snow will soon clear, to leave a cold but largely sunny day. There isn’t an exact prediction for how many inches of snow, but forecasters say there will only be light snowfall, with no weather warnings issued for the weekend in London, so disruption to transport is likely to be minimal.

Throughout January, Londoners can expect typical winter conditions. Daytime temperatures usually reach 7°C in London in January, falling to 2°C at night. There are normally 2 hours of bright sunshine each day in London in January, whilst there are usually 16 days with some rain in London in January.

Looking Ahead: Winter 2026 Outlook

The outlook through January is very uncertain, with no strong indication for any particular weather pattern to dominate, so conditions are most likely to be changeable with spells of wet, windy and mild weather possible at times, along with colder, drier interludes with overnight frost and fog.

This cold snap is particularly significant for residents and visitors planning outdoor activities. Snow is rare in January in London, as it rarely gets below freezing, making this weekend’s forecast noteworthy. Authorities advise Londoners to prepare for icy conditions, particularly during the early morning and overnight hours when temperatures will be at their lowest.

The capital’s characteristic winter weather continues to demonstrate its unpredictability, reminding residents to stay prepared with appropriate clothing and to check weather forecasts regularly throughout the month.