The Met Office has activated a significant yellow weather warning for ice across multiple regions of London, with five specific boroughs identified as high-risk areas. This alert comes as meteorological conditions shift dramatically following recent rainfall.
Affected London Boroughs and Warning Duration
The ice warning specifically targets five London areas: Chigwell, Enfield, High Barnet, Hornchurch, and Romford. This precautionary alert will remain active for a substantial ten-hour period, commencing at midnight on Wednesday 28 January and continuing through to 10am the same morning.
Meteorological Conditions Behind the Warning
According to Met Office forecasters, clearing skies on Tuesday night will facilitate a rapid temperature drop, with readings expected to fall below freezing shortly after midnight and persisting through Wednesday morning. The combination of recent wet weather and sub-zero temperatures creates ideal conditions for hazardous ice formation on untreated surfaces.
The Met Office statement explained: "Clearing skies Tuesday night will allow temperatures to fall below freezing soon after midnight and on Wednesday morning. After the recent wet weather, icy patches are likely to develop on some untreated surfaces."
Public Safety Recommendations
Weather authorities have issued specific guidance for residents navigating potentially icy conditions:
- Allow additional travel time by departing at least five minutes earlier than usual to avoid rushing
- Pedestrians should prioritise main road pavements which typically receive better treatment and present reduced slipping hazards
- Cyclists are advised to remain on primary routes to minimise exposure to untreated icy patches
- Exercise particular caution on untreated roads, footpaths, and cycling infrastructure
The Met Office warning indicates that these conditions could lead to transport disruptions and potential injuries from slips and falls.
Broader Weather Context and Forecast
This ice warning forms part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of the United Kingdom, including North East England. The alert follows Tuesday's yellow rain warning, which brought heavy precipitation likely to cause transport complications.
Looking ahead, Wednesday is forecast to be predominantly dry overall, though early morning fog may prove persistent in some locations. Where visibility improves, residents can expect wintry sunshine interspersed with variable cloud cover, with only minimal chance of brief, light showers. Maximum temperatures should reach approximately 9°C with light wind conditions.
The remainder of the week presents a mixed outlook:
- Thursday 29 January: Largely dry but overcast initially, potentially foggy during morning hours with possible brighter intervals developing later
- Friday 30 January: Increasing cloud cover and breezier conditions, turning unsettled as rain moves eastward overnight into early Friday, followed by scattered showers from the south-west
- Saturday 31 January: Mostly cloudy with occasional lingering showers initially, becoming drier later as cloud breaks toward evening
No additional weather warnings are currently anticipated for the latter part of the week, though cold temperatures will persist throughout the period with variable precipitation chances.
