London's chilly start to 2026 is set to continue, but residents hoping for a picturesque blanket of snow are likely to be disappointed for now. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the capital is not expected to see any significant snowfall in the coming days.
Frosty Start but No Snow for the Capital
The new year began with a noticeable temperature drop across London, with overnight lows plunging to a biting -3°C in some areas. This icy spell did bring the city's first fleeting snowflakes of 2026 last week, but since then conditions have remained cold yet stubbornly snow-free.
According to the latest BBC Weather outlook, London is actually poised for a reprieve from the deep freeze. While the week started under a frosty grip, a gradual warming trend is forecast. Temperatures are predicted to climb, potentially reaching a much milder 10°C by the end of the week.
Sunny Spells Before Weekend Rain
As the mercury rises, Londoners can look forward to some brighter intervals. The forecast suggests the capital will enjoy periods of sunshine before the weather pattern shifts again.
Wetter conditions are expected to move in towards the weekend, bringing rain rather than snow. This transition marks a significant shift from the freezing temperatures experienced at the start of the week.
Met Office Warnings Hit Other UK Regions
While London escapes further wintry weather, other parts of the UK are facing more severe conditions. The Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice on Monday, January 5.
These alerts, which were active from Sunday evening (January 4) until Tuesday (January 6), cautioned that icy patches and snowfall could lead to travel disruption and tricky conditions. Notably, London and much of southern England avoided being placed under these formal warnings.
The contrasting forecasts highlight a divided weather picture across the country, with winter biting harder in regions outside the capital.
