Leeds Weather Alert: Arctic Blast Brings Snow and Freezing Temperatures to West Yorkshire
Why Leeds Weather Matters Right Now
Leeds is bracing for a significant shift in weather patterns as an Arctic blast sweeps across the UK, with the Met Office warning that a cold northerly flow will pull freezing air directly from polar regions down toward West Yorkshire. Understanding current weather conditions is essential for residents, commuters, and businesses to prepare adequately for potential disruptions and health risks associated with this dramatic temperature drop.
Current Weather Conditions and Immediate Forecast
A Yellow Cold Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for Yorkshire and the Humber, remaining in place until noon on January 5. While daytime highs may nominally sit around 2°C, the effect of biting northerly winds, which could reach gale-force in some exposed areas, will make it feel significantly colder, often dropping into sub-zero territory.
The BBC forecast for Leeds on January 6 shows light snow and light winds, with sleet and a gentle breeze predicted for January 2, 7, 8 and 9. Areas such as Armley and Seacroft will see light snowfall from 3am, according to Met Office forecasts, while other areas will see it arrive an hour earlier on Tuesday. Surrounding suburbs, particularly those on higher ground like Pudsey, Cookridge, and Guiseley, are expected to see snow settling as early as Tuesday morning, with commuters urged to prepare for potential travel disruption, especially on high-elevation routes like the A660 and A647.
January Weather Patterns in Leeds
Leeds experiences its lowest average temperatures in January, reaching a peak of 5.4°C and a minimum of 1.4°C. There are usually 19 days with some rain in Leeds in January and the average monthly rainfall is 67mm. The average relative humidity in January is 88%.
A noted characteristic of January is the increased amount of snowfall, with 16mm of snow spread over approximately three days. There are normally 2 hours of bright sunshine each day in Leeds in January—that’s 19% of daylight hours.
What This Means for Leeds Residents
This Arctic weather event marks a significant departure from the relatively settled conditions that characterized the end of 2025. The combination of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall creates potentially hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Commuters are being urged to prepare for potential travel disruption, especially on high-elevation routes.
The wintry conditions are expected to persist through the first week of January 2026, with residents advised to monitor local weather forecasts closely and take appropriate precautions. While city centre areas may experience more sleet than snow due to urban heat effects, surrounding communities should prepare for genuine winter conditions with settling snow and ice formation overnight.