Leeds Weather: Snow Warnings and Winter Conditions Grip West Yorkshire

Leeds Faces Wintry Start to 2026

Leeds residents are experiencing a notably cold and wintry start to 2026, with the Met Office issuing a snow and ice warning for the city, with the yellow warning in place from 00:00 to 11:00 on Tuesday January 6. The warning highlights potential disruption to travel, including longer journey times and hazardous conditions on untreated roads and pavements.

Understanding Leeds weather has become increasingly important for residents, commuters, and visitors alike, as accurate forecasts help people plan their daily activities and stay safe during adverse conditions. With winter firmly established, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for Yorkshire and The Humber, underscoring the significance of monitoring weather conditions closely.

Current Weather Conditions and Forecasts

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. Meanwhile, AccuWeather predicts 2-4 inches of snow, mixed with rain at times, from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, creating challenging conditions across West Yorkshire.

Temperature-wise, daytime temperatures usually reach 6°C in Leeds in January, falling to 1°C at night. However, forecasters warn that feels like temperature considers factors such as wind speed and humidity, giving a better idea of how the temperature will actually feel, often making conditions seem considerably colder.

Historical January Weather Patterns

January typically represents one of Leeds’ coldest months. Leeds experiences its lowest average temperatures in January, reaching a peak of 5.4°C (41.7°F) and a minimum of 1.4°C (34.5°F). The month also brings limited daylight, with normally 2 hours of bright sunshine each day in Leeds in January – that’s 19% of daylight hours.

Precipitation is another characteristic feature, as it is raining for 12.5 days in January, with typically 23mm (0.91″) of accumulated precipitation. Snowfall is also common, with it snowing for 2.9 days, with 16mm (0.63″) of snow accumulated throughout January.

Outlook and Significance for Leeds Residents

The outlook for Wednesday to Friday shows dry, windy but sunny conditions Wednesday, with coastal showers, followed by rain, sleet and snow Wednesday night, clearing to sunny spells and light winds Thursday. Residents should remain vigilant as weather conditions can change rapidly during winter months.

For Leeds residents, staying informed about weather conditions is crucial not only for daily planning but also for safety. The current wintry spell serves as a reminder to check forecasts regularly, prepare for icy conditions, and take appropriate precautions when travelling. As January progresses, conditions may fluctuate, making reliable weather information an essential resource for everyone in West Yorkshire.