Arctic Blast Hits Nottingham: Snow, Ice and Plummeting Temperatures Begin 2026
Why Nottingham Weather Matters Right Now
Nottingham is experiencing a severe cold snap as January 2026 begins, with an Arctic airmass covering the UK, bringing cold conditions with snow, sleet and hail showers. Understanding current weather patterns is crucial for residents’ safety, travel planning, and daily activities. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold weather alert for the East Midlands which will expire at 5pm on Monday, January 5, highlighting the seriousness of these conditions for vulnerable populations.
Current Weather Conditions and Forecasts
Daytime temperatures usually reach 7°C in Nottingham in January, falling to 2°C at night, but current conditions are significantly colder. Minimum temperature -9 °C has been recorded, with a moderate or severe frost and icy stretches overnight. BBC Weather predicts light snow for Nottinghamshire between 6am and 12pm on January 6, whilst WX Charts forecasts a heavy band of snow sweeping across the East Midlands during the early hours of January 7.
There are usually 16 days with some rain in Nottingham in January and the average monthly rainfall is 55mm. However, according to Nottingham snow forecast for January 2026, 1 snowy day is expected at the beginning of January at Saturday, 3 January. The Met Office indicates that mostly cloudy through Tuesday, with chance of rain and sleet, mainly in the morning, with conditions becoming less cold as the week progresses.
What This Means for Nottingham Residents
The East Midlands is currently under an amber alert for cold weather, which is due to expire at 10am on Friday, January 9. As temperatures gradually increase, overnight lows are predicted to be around 0C or 1C, rather than -4C or -5C that the county experienced over recent days. Residents should remain vigilant about winter hazards including icy roads and pavements. The cold snap serves as a reminder of Nottingham’s temperate maritime climate, where Nottingham also sees snow, primarily during the winter, however heavy snow is rare. As milder air attempts to spread eastward later this week, conditions should gradually improve, though residents should continue monitoring forecasts for any changes.