Right now, if you’re standing anywhere near Piccadilly Circus or shivering in a queue for a flat white in Shoreditch, you know the vibe is... confusing. The current temperature in London UK is sitting at a crisp 50°F. Honestly, for mid-January, that sounds almost tropical compared to the -7°C (roughly 19°F) lows we’ve seen over the last few nights.
But don't let that number fool you.
London is currently emerging from the wreckage of Storm Goretti, which basically turned the UK into a giant popsicle last week. While the mercury has crawled up to 50°F tonight, the air is thick with 94% humidity and a persistent light rain that makes everything feel about five degrees colder than the thermometer claims. It’s that classic damp, London chill that gets right into your bones, no matter how many Uniqlo Heattech layers you’re sporting.
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What’s Actually Happening with the Weather Today?
Basically, we're in a "milder" pocket before another freeze hits. Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We hit a high of 51°F earlier, but as we move deeper into the night, the chance of precipitation is hovering around 35%.
The wind is coming from the west at a gentle 6 mph, which is a massive relief after the 160km/h gusts that Storm Goretti was throwing around just a few days ago.
The Breakdown of Right Now:
- Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
- Condition: Light rain/Mist
- Humidity: 94% (Get the frizz control out)
- UV Index: 0 (Standard London winter)
If you're looking at the current temperature in London UK and thinking about heading out, you should know that the ground is still incredibly slick. We’ve had a week of snow and ice refreezing, and while the 50°F temps are melting the leftovers, it’s creating a slushy, grey mess.
The Storm Goretti Hangover
It's hard to talk about the temperature today without acknowledging the absolute chaos of the last 96 hours. While London dodged the 30cm of snow that buried Wales and Northern England, we weren't unscathed. The Mayor’s office actually had to activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) because the nighttime lows were hitting lethal levels for those on the streets.
Heathrow saw about 50 flights cancelled on Friday. Trains were—predictably—a nightmare. Even now, while the "main impact" of the storm has passed according to National Rail, the dampness at 50°F feels like a different kind of challenge. It's that "is it raining or is the air just wet?" kind of day.
Why does 50°F feel so cold here?
It’s the moisture. 94% humidity means the air is nearly saturated. In a dry climate, 10°C (50°F) is light jacket weather. In London, it’s "heavy wool coat and an umbrella you’ll probably lose" weather. Experts like Julie Atchison have pointed out that these milder southerly winds are temporary. By Wednesday afternoon, cold air is expected to filter back in, bringing flurries back to the conversation.
Survival Guide: What to Wear Right Now
Honestly, you've gotta be smart about the layers. Londoners are currently opting for the "Barbour and boots" look for a reason.
- Waterproof is Non-Negotiable: Forget the aesthetic suede boots. Between the melting slush and the 35% chance of light rain tonight, you need leather or treated materials.
- The "Tube Effect": The current temperature in London UK might be 50°F outside, but the Central Line is currently a balmy 25°C. You will sweat. Wear a zip-up or something you can peel off easily.
- The Scarf Strategy: A thick wool scarf isn't just for looks; it blocks the wind that whistles through the skyscrapers in the City.
Looking Ahead: The "Deep Freeze" Return
Don't get too comfortable with these double-digit Celsius numbers. The long-range forecast suggests that "January returns with a vengeance" by the weekend. We're looking at lows dropping back down toward 34°F (1°C) tonight, with a potential rain-snow mix as the temperature hovers just above freezing.
If you're traveling, keep an eye on the M1 and the rail lines heading north. They’re still recovering from fallen trees and power outages.
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Pro Tip: If you're using the Tube, check the TfL app before you leave. The humidity and residual moisture from the storm have been known to cause "signal failures"—the polite London term for "everything is broken."
Actionable Next Steps for Londoners Today
Check your pipes. Seriously. We’ve had a rapid cycle of freezing and thawing over the last 48 hours, which is prime time for leaks. If you’re heading out, stick to the main gritted paths; the side streets in boroughs like Hackney or Southwark can still be deceptively icy under the slush.
Keep an umbrella in your bag, even if the sky looks "just grey." At 94% humidity, the transition from mist to downpour happens in seconds. Stay warm, stay dry, and maybe grab a pub seat near a radiator—it’s going to be a damp one.