The new year has begun with a deep freeze in the capital, as the Met Office places a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the whole of Greater London. The alert, which came into effect in the early hours, is set to remain until around midday on Friday, 2nd January 2026.
Chilly Forecast and Potential Disruption
Forecasters are predicting a bitterly cold day, with temperatures struggling to stay just above freezing. The real chill will set in after dark, with the mercury expected to plunge to -2°C tonight and potentially reaching -3°C on subsequent nights. This follows a frosty period that has firmly displaced any hopes of a White Christmas with a stark, icy introduction to 2026.
The Met Office has explicitly warned that the wintry conditions could lead to disruption on the transport network. Commuters are being advised to prepare for possible delays to both train and bus services across the city, with ice posing a significant hazard on roads and pavements.
What the Weather Warning Means for Londoners
The national weather service detailed that an area of sleet and snow is moving south-eastwards over parts of England and Wales. While any snowfall in London is likely to be brief, lasting two to three hours in any location, it could still deposit 1 to 2 cm of snow in some areas.
The primary concern, however, is ice. The warning states: "Some ice may form as a result of precipitation falling onto frozen surfaces, and icy patches will also develop quickly as sleet and snow clears." This rapid ice formation is what creates particularly dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.
A Wider UK Freeze
London's cold snap is part of a broader pattern affecting the UK, driven by a blast of Arctic air. While the capital is under a yellow warning, more severe Amber weather warnings for snow and ice are in force in other regions, particularly across Scotland. This indicates a prolonged spell of freezing weather is gripping the nation as it steps into the New Year.
Residents are urged to take extra care when travelling, allow more time for journeys, and stay updated with the latest forecasts and travel advice from the Met Office and Transport for London.
