London's recent flirtation with snow has officially ended, with forecasters predicting a prolonged period of wet weather to dominate the capital for the rest of January. The effects of Storm Goretti may have moved on, but they are leaving behind a legacy of near-constant drizzle and light rain showers.
A Damp Fortnight Ahead
According to the BBC Weather forecast, Londoners should brace for a sustained spell of damp conditions from today, Monday, January 12, through to Sunday, January 25. The icy snap that brought snow is now a memory, replaced by a mix of drizzle and light rain expected to persist almost without break.
The sole dry interlude is anticipated this Wednesday, January 14, which should bring sunny intervals and light winds. Beyond that, the umbrella will be an essential companion. On a positive note, the cold has retreated. Temperatures are on a steady climb and are not forecast to fall below 3°C during this period.
Milder Temperatures Rule Out Snow
In fact, the upcoming fortnight will be relatively mild for January. The mercury is predicted to reach maximums of between 9°C and 12°C. This significant warming trend effectively rules out any further meaningful snowfall for London in the immediate future, barring another dramatic and unexpected shift in weather patterns.
The BBC's long-range forecast supports this outlook, stating a changed pattern with frequent west to south-westerly winds will keep temperatures "mostly above or at least close to average" for the second half of January. The setup involves higher pressure over eastern Europe and low-pressure systems crossing the Atlantic towards the UK.
"As a result, there will be periods of rain, occasionally heavy and accompanied by strong winds," the forecast explains. While wintry showers remain possible in northern parts of Scotland, the chance of significant snow for most of the UK, including London, is deemed very low. Experts believe this wet and windy pattern could linger right until the month's end.
Forecasters' Consensus and the 14-Day Outlook
The Met Office broadly agrees with this assessment, though it notes a potential for some drier weather as the calendar turns towards late January and early February. For now, however, the dominant theme for London is unmistakably rain.
London's detailed 14-day weather forecast is as follows:
- January 12: 12°C / 8°C, drizzle and a gentle breeze
- January 13: 11°C / 4°C, drizzle and a heavy breeze
- January 14: 8°C / 6°C, sunny intervals and light winds
- January 15: 10°C / 5°C, light rain and a gentle breeze
- January 16: 10°C / 5°C, light rain and a gentle breeze
- January 17: 9°C / 4°C, drizzle and light winds
- January 18: 9°C / 6°C, light rain and a gentle breeze
- January 19: 9°C / 4°C, light rain and a gentle breeze
- January 20: 9°C / 3°C, light rain and light winds
- January 21: 9°C / 6°C, light rain and light winds
- January 22: 9°C / 4°C, drizzle and light winds
- January 23: 9°C / 5°C, drizzle and light winds
- January 24: 9°C / 5°C, light rain and light winds
- January 25: 9°C / 5°C, light rain and light winds
The message from forecasters is clear: London's winter white-out has been swapped for a lengthy wash-out, with mild temperatures ensuring rain, not snow, will be falling on the capital's streets for the foreseeable future.
