You’ve stepped out of a cozy flat in Shoreditch or maybe you’re just rushing for the Tube at Waterloo, and that familiar, damp London chill hits you right in the face. Honestly, it’s just one of those mornings.
The current weather in London UK is basically a masterclass in grey. Right now, as we hit the middle of January 2026, the city is sitting at a crisp 41°F (that’s about 5°C for the metric fans). But don't let the number fool you. With the wind coming in from the south at 5 mph, it actually feels like 37°F. It’s the kind of cold that sneaks under your collar if you aren't wrapped up tight.
Humidity is sitting at a whopping 93%, which is why the air feels so heavy. We’ve got light showers and rain hanging over the capital, and if you’re looking at the sky right now, it’s a pretty uniform shade of charcoal.
What to Expect for the Rest of Today
If you’re planning to head out for a pint or a late lunch, here is the deal. The high for today, Friday, January 16, is going to top out at 49°F. It sounds almost warm compared to the 37°F "feels like" temp we had earlier, but the 54% chance of rain during the day means you’re probably going to get drizzled on at least once.
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By tonight, things quiet down a bit. The low will drop back to 41°F, and the rain chance dips to 10%, leaving us with mostly cloudy skies. The wind is staying gentle, around 9 mph from the south, so at least we aren't dealing with any of those nasty gusts that turn umbrellas inside out.
The "Beast from the East" Rumors: Truth or Hype?
I’ve seen the headlines. You probably have too. People are talking about a "Beast from the East" style blizzard hitting the UK later this month.
According to meteorologists like Jim Dale from British Weather Services, there’s a real tug-of-war happening between the mild Atlantic air and a massive plume of freezing Siberian air. While today is just damp and chilly, there’s a legitimate chance of sleet showers and plunging temperatures starting around January 26.
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The Met Office is staying cautious, calling the end of the month "somewhat uncertain." But the maps are showing potential for a "weather bomb" around January 28 that could bring snow back to London. We already saw that weird "non-forecasted" snow on January 6 when the city hit -8°C, so we know 2026 isn't playing around.
Survival Tips for a London January
Look, London in January is an endurance sport. You’ve basically got two hours of actual sunshine a day if you’re lucky. Here is how to handle the current conditions without losing your mind:
- Layering is non-negotiable: Since the temperature fluctuates between "chilly" and "actually freezing" every few hours, a base layer is your best friend.
- Waterproof everything: With 16 days of rain on average this month, leather boots or treated canvas are way better than your favorite mesh trainers.
- Vitamin D: Seriously. With a UV index of 0 right now, you aren't getting any help from the sun.
Looking ahead to the weekend, it stays pretty consistent. Saturday and Sunday are looking overcast with highs around 11°C (52°F). It’s not exactly tropical, but it’s a bit of a breather before that potential cold snap hits the week after next.
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If you’re traveling, keep an eye on the Tube updates. Between the drizzle and the planned maintenance closures for January 16–18, getting across town might take a bit longer than usual. Just grab a hot coffee, keep that umbrella handy, and embrace the mist. It’s very "classic London," after all.
Next Steps for Your Friday:
- Check the radar: If you have a 43% chance of rain in your specific borough, wait 20 minutes; it usually passes.
- Prep your car: If you're driving, the Met Office is suggesting basic winter checks now before the temperatures potentially dive toward the end of the month.
- Plan your weekend indoors: Museums like the Tate Britain are running indoor events this weekend—perfect for dodging the drizzle.