Honestly, if you've lived in London long enough, you know the January drill. One day you’re walking through St. James's Park in a light jacket, and the next you’re eyeing up Arctic-grade parkas because the "Beast from the East" might be making a comeback.
Right now, we are in a weirdly stable pocket of air. The weather in london uk for next 10 days is basically a tug-of-war. On one side, you have the mild Atlantic air trying to keep things civil. On the other, there's a stubborn block of cold air from the east that wants to turn your morning commute into a scene from The Day After Tomorrow.
The Immediate Outlook: Cloudy with a Side of Gray
If you're looking for sunshine, I've got bad news. It’s London in January. Basically, the sky is going to look like a wet wool blanket until further notice.
Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re looking at a high of 50°F and a low of 42°F. It’s cloudy. It’s 46°F right now as I write this, and the humidity is sitting at a whopping 92%. It feels damp. Not "pouring rain" damp, just that persistent London mist that makes your hair go a bit wild.
Sunday and Monday (the 18th and 19th) are holding steady at that 50°F mark. You’ve got a slight 20-25% chance of rain, so you might not need the umbrella every second, but don't leave it in the hallway.
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Mid-Week Shifts: When the Rain Actually Shows Up
Tuesday, January 20, is when things start to get a bit more "classic British winter." The temperature dips slightly to 49°F, but the real story is the light rain. The chance of precipitation jumps to 40% overnight.
Wednesday, January 21, is the day the wind starts to pick up. We’re looking at 11 mph gusts coming from the south. It doesn't sound like much, but when it’s 50°F and raining, that wind cuts right through you.
By Thursday, the mercury starts its slow slide down. Highs of 48°F, lows of 41°F. It’s the kind of weather where you can't decide if it’s "big coat" weather or "medium coat with a scarf" weather.
The "Weather War" and the Snow Risk
Here is where it gets interesting—and a bit controversial among meteorologists.
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The Met Office has been talking about a "weather war" brewing for the end of the month. Starting around Friday, January 23, we see a noticeable drop. Highs will only hit 44°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Rain is much more likely (45% chance).
- Saturday, Jan 24: We drop to 43°F. There’s a 20% chance of light snow overnight.
- Sunday, Jan 25: Highs of 40°F, lows of 34°F. Expect a mix of rain and snow.
By Monday, January 26, it’s officially "proper cold." We’re looking at a high of only 36°F and a low of 34°F. If that moisture from the Atlantic hits the cold air coming from the northeast, we aren't just talking about rain anymore. We're talking about actual, sticking snow.
What Most People Get Wrong About London Snow
People always freak out when they see "snow" on a 10-day forecast. In London, it rarely turns into a winter wonderland. Because of the Urban Heat Island effect, the city center usually stays just a degree or two too warm for the good stuff.
What we usually get is "sleet"—that slushy, gray mess that ruins your suede boots. However, the maps for late January 2026 are showing some serious purple patches. Some models, like WXCharts, are even hinting at a "Beast from the East" style scenario where cold air from Siberia slams into the UK.
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If that happens, those 34°F lows could easily turn into -10°C wind chills.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
- Waterproof everything. The humidity is high (80-94% all week). Your clothes won't dry quickly if they get soaked.
- Watch the East wind. When the wind direction flips to the East (expected around Jan 24-25), the "feels like" temperature will tank.
- Check the trains. Southeastern and Southern Rail are notorious for struggling the second a snowflake touches the tracks. If you have travel plans for the 25th or 26th, keep an eye on the boards.
Basically, enjoy the "mild" 50°F days while they last. By the time we hit next Monday, you'll be wishing for these gray, drizzly clouds back. Winter is finally deciding to show up.
Next Steps for You:
Check your outdoor pipes today while it's still 50°F. If the forecast for the 26th holds and we hit those freezing marks with snow, you'll want your insulation sorted before the ground hardens. Also, maybe finally buy that decent pair of waterproof boots you've been eyeing—the slush is coming.