Londoners should prepare for a chilly and damp end to January, with forecasters predicting a spell of sleet showers as temperatures take a sharp downturn.
Icy Mix to Hit the Capital
According to the latest BBC Weather forecast, the capital's recent milder spell, which saw highs of around 9C, is set to be replaced by colder, wintry conditions. The change is expected to arrive on Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27.
The first signs of sleet – a mix of rain and partially melted snow – are anticipated between 10am and 11am on Monday the 26th, returning from 7pm and lasting into the early hours of Tuesday. The following day will also see an extended eight-hour period of this icy precipitation.
During these sleet showers, thermometers are forecast to hover at a brisk around 2C, with maximum temperatures outside of this wet weather struggling to reach just 5C.
High Uncertainty for Late January
The BBC's long-range forecast highlights a "high degree of uncertainty" for the final week of the month, outlining two potential scenarios. One possibility is that strong high pressure to the north-east could bring colder, easterly winds, leading to below-average temperatures and wintry conditions.
However, milder Atlantic weather systems remain a factor. The forecast notes: "Atlantic frontal systems will continue to knock on the door... If they make more progress, then a milder and unsettled regime would ensue."
Given the low confidence, the prediction suggests colder conditions may persist through late January before a potential switch. "By the end of the first week of February we might see milder and rainy conditions returning," it adds, indicating that the light snow flurries seen last week are unlikely to make a significant comeback.
What Exactly is Sleet?
For those unsure, sleet is a form of winter precipitation that occurs when snowflakes partially melt as they fall through a layer of warmer air before reaching the ground. The result is a mixture of raindrops and snow that can make for slippery conditions.
With umbrellas likely to be needed, here is a snapshot of the London forecast leading up to the sleet:
- Jan 14: 8C/7C, light rain showers
- Jan 15: 10C/5C, heavy rain
- Jan 22-25: A mix of drizzle, light cloud and rain, with temperatures gradually falling.
- Jan 26: 5C/1C, sleet showers
- Jan 27: 5C/1C, sleet showers
