London is braced for a dreary and damp opening to the New Year, with forecasts predicting an initial flurry of snow followed by a solid week of rainfall.
The capital's relatively mild festive weather is set to make a sharp U-turn as Arctic air sweeps across the UK, bringing the first widespread taste of winter. The cold snap is expected to last through at least the first full week of January.
From Snow Showers to Sustained Rain
The period of wintry weather will commence on Sunday, January 4, when light snow is forecast for London alongside early morning temperatures plunging to -1C. A brief, sunny respite is expected on Monday, January 5, before conditions deteriorate again.
From Tuesday, January 6, London is set for six straight days of rain, according to the detailed outlook. While temperatures during this wet spell will be less extreme, hovering around 7C, the persistent damp will make for a gloomy start to 2026.
Met Office Warns of Widespread Winter Hazards
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway from the Met Office has highlighted the scale of the incoming cold spell. "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter' as we welcome in the New Year," he stated.
Sidaway explained that Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions across the UK, with wintry hazards like snow, ice, and strong winds becoming more widespread. The Met Office has already issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for northern Scotland from New Year's Day, warning of potential travel disruption.
"It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January," Sidaway added, urging the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
The Day-by-Day London Forecast
The Met Office's specific forecast for London outlines the transition from crisp winter days to a wet pattern:
- Dec 31: Sunny, light winds, 5C
- Jan 1: Sunny intervals, gentle breeze, 7C
- Jan 2: Light cloud, light winds, 5C
- Jan 3: Sunny, gentle breeze, 3C
- Jan 4: Light snow, light winds, 3C
- Jan 5: Sunny, light winds, 3C
- Jan 6: Sleet, light winds, 4C
- Jan 7-11: Light rain, temperatures 6C to 9C
- Jan 12: Drizzle, light winds, 7C
This forecast confirms a significant shift from the dry, bright conditions expected in the final days of 2025, marking a typically British January of damp and chilly weather for the capital.
