London weather in mid-January. It’s a mood, isn't it? If you've lived here long enough, you know the drill. It’s not just "cold" or "rainy." It’s that specific brand of damp grey that feels like it’s trying to personally offend you.
Right now, we are smack in the middle of a weird transition. This week, starting Thursday, January 15, 2026, the city is shaking off the literal frost of Storm Goretti—which, honestly, was a bit of a nightmare for the South West—and moving into something different.
Is it "better" weather? Kinda. Is it dry? Definitely not. Here is the reality of the london weather for week ahead and why your standard umbrella might actually be useless.
The Thursday Washout: Don't Trust the Clouds
If you're looking out the window today, Thursday, January 15, and thinking, "Oh, it’s just a bit overcast," you’re about to get soaked. The Met Office has already slapped a Yellow Weather Warning for rain on London and the South East.
We are talking about a persistent, heavy drenching from 9:00 AM until at least 10:00 PM.
Basically, an area of low pressure is migrating northeast across England. Because the ground is already saturated from previous storms, there is a legitimate risk of surface water flooding. Some isolated spots could see up to 50mm of rain in just a few hours. That is a lot of water for a city where the drains already struggle with a handful of wet leaves.
If you’re commuting, expect the District Line to have "minor delays" (shocker) and the puddles at the end of curb cuts to be deep enough to ruin your favorite leather boots.
Temperatures: The Silver Lining is a Bit Lukewarm
Here is the weird part. While it’s going to be wet, it isn’t going to be freezing. We’ve spent the last week shivering in sub-zero temperatures, but we’re seeing a significant climb now.
- Thursday: Highs of 9°C or 10°C.
- Friday and Saturday: Holding steady around that 10°C mark.
- The Overnights: We aren't seeing those -3°C frosts this week. Lows are hovering around 4°C to 6°C.
It’s that classic "big coat but no scarf" weather. Or maybe the "trench coat with a hidden jumper" vibe. It’s mild enough that you won't see your breath, but damp enough that the air feels heavier than it should.
The "Scandinavian High" Mystery
By Monday, January 19, things get interesting. Forecasters, including the Met Office’s Alex Burkill, are keeping a very close eye on what’s called a "Scandinavian High."
Now, there’s about a 44% chance of this settling in. If it does, it changes the game for the end of the week. A Scandinavian High usually blocks the wet Atlantic weather from hitting us. It could mean we trade the rain for clearer, crispier skies.
But—and this is a big "but"—it also brings the cold back. If that high pressure system dominates, we could see those nighttime frosts return by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Why Your Umbrella Will Probably Break
Londoners have a love-hate relationship with umbrellas. This week, the south-easterly winds are picking up. We’re looking at gusts around 10-15 mph, which doesn't sound like much until you’re trying to navigate the wind tunnel that is London Bridge or the gaps between the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf.
Light rain and a gentle breeze? That’s the BBC forecast for Friday. In reality, that usually means a fine mist that coats your glasses and makes your hair frizz, followed by a sudden 3-minute horizontal downpour.
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What to Actually Wear (The Expert Strategy)
Forget the heavy-duty Arctic parka for now. You’ll just sweat on the Central Line and then freeze when you step out into the rain.
- Waterproof Shell: Not "water-resistant." Waterproof. You want something with taped seams.
- The Footwear Choice: This is a week for Chelsea boots or something with a thick lug sole. The Thames Path and any park areas (looking at you, Hampstead Heath) are currently absolute mud baths.
- Layers over Bulk: A light wool sweater over a t-shirt is the sweet spot for 9°C.
The Reality of London Rain
Most people think London is the rainiest city in Europe. It’s actually not even in the top ten. Rome and Nice often get more total rainfall per year. The difference is how it rains here. In London, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s 16 days of "some rainfall" in January on average.
This week is leaning heavily into that average. Aside from the Thursday deluge, the rest of the week looks like a series of "cloudy with a chance of light rain" days. It’s the kind of weather that makes the pubs look incredibly inviting at 3:00 PM.
Actionable Steps for the Week
- Thursday (Today): Avoid the parks. The ground is saturated and "surface water flooding" is the phrase of the day. Stick to the paved routes.
- Friday/Saturday: This is your window for a walk, but keep it local. The "sunny intervals" predicted for Friday are usually 20-minute windows of light. Chase them when you see them.
- Sunday Planning: Sunday looks overcast and potentially drizzly again. If you’re planning a Sunday roast, book the table now—everyone else will be hiding indoors too.
- Monitor the High: Watch the forecast on Sunday night. If that Scandinavian High moves in, Monday morning will be significantly colder than you expect.
The london weather for week is basically a test of your patience and your choice of outerwear. It’s messy, it’s mild, and it’s very, very wet. Pack a spare pair of socks in your bag. You’ll thank me later.