London is preparing for a significant wintry onslaught, with weather experts predicting the capital could be blanketed by snow for four consecutive days next week. The prolonged cold snap is expected to bring travel disruption and serious health risks as temperatures plunge well below average for January.
Forecast Details and Weather Warnings
According to meteorologists at BBC Weather, a flurry of snow is currently set to hit London from Wednesday, January 7, through to Saturday, January 10, 2026. This prediction is supported by other forecasters, with Netweather issuing a red warning for a strong probability of snow across the capital specifically for Wednesday, January 7.
The wider UK is already experiencing freezing conditions. Much of the country was under a Yellow Weather warning for snow and ice for the morning of Friday, January 2, with up to 2cm of snow predicted in some areas and 5cm on higher ground. Travel disruption was expected as wintry weather moved southeast over England and Wales, affecting areas from Leicester and Manchester down to London, Kent, Surrey, Bristol, and Cardiff.
A spokesperson for the Met Office confirmed the severity of the situation, stating: “We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places.”
Public Health Alert and Daily Forecast
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold weather warnings for England, active until 10am on Tuesday, January 6. The agency warns the conditions are “likely” to cause significant impacts on health and social care, including a potential rise in deaths among vulnerable individuals, such as those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions.
Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA, urged the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives. “Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections,” he said.
The detailed London weather forecast until January 10 is as follows:
- Friday, January 2: High of 5°C, low of 2°C. Sunny with a gentle breeze.
- Saturday, January 3: High of 3°C, low of -4°C. Sunny with a gentle breeze.
- Sunday, January 4: High of 3°C, low of -2°C. Sunny with light winds.
- Monday, January 5: High of 3°C, low of -4°C. Sunny intervals and light winds.
- Tuesday, January 6: High of 3°C, low of 0°C. Sunny intervals and light winds.
- Wednesday, January 7: High of 4°C, low of 0°C. Light snow and light winds.
- Thursday, January 8: High of 5°C, low of 1°C. Light snow and sleet until 10am, then rain.
- Friday, January 9: High of 4°C, low of 1°C. Sleet and snow showers with a gentle breeze.
- Saturday, January 10: High of 4°C, low of 1°C. Sleet and snow with light winds.
Why Snow Forecasting in London is Notoriously Tricky
Forecasting snow for the capital is a complex challenge for meteorologists. Weather expert Ian Currie explained that snow likelihood in London is highly dependent on local geography and minor temperature fluctuations. “Snow is very dependant on the height of where you are,” he noted, stating that for every 15 metres gained in elevation, the chance of snow increases.
This means areas like Sanderstead and Biggin Hill can experience significantly more snow days per year than lower-lying districts such as Streatham or Tooting. A difference of just a few degrees in temperature at ground level can determine whether precipitation falls as rain or snow, and small shifts in the path of a weather front hundreds of miles away can completely alter local conditions.
As a result, while the broader warning for a cold and snowy period is clear, the exact accumulation across different London boroughs may vary considerably, making precise local predictions difficult until the event is much closer.
