If you’re standing near the Thames today, you’ve probably noticed the air feels heavy. Damp. Honestly, it’s that classic London winter vibe where you can’t quite tell if it’s raining or if the clouds are just giving you a very persistent hug. As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the weather report for london england shows a city caught between the tail end of a nasty cold snap and a much milder, albeit soggier, Atlantic influence.
Earlier this week, things were grim. Storm Goretti—which the French named but we definitely felt—brought a "weather bomb" that dropped temperatures to a shivering -8°C in some parts of the capital. We had the flurries. We had the black ice on the pavements in Hackney and Southwark. But tonight? Tonight it’s 9°C (48°F). It feels tropical compared to Monday, yet the humidity is sitting at a staggering 94%.
Basically, the "Big Smoke" is currently a giant humidifier.
The immediate weather report for london england
The Met Office and BBC Weather are largely in agreement for the next 48 hours: keep your umbrella close, but maybe leave the heavy Arctic parka at home if you're walking a lot. Thursday, January 15, looks like the wettest day of the week. We’re expecting heavy showers with highs of 10°C and lows around 6°C.
It’s a messy transition.
When you look at the weather report for london england for the upcoming weekend, the volatility is obvious. Friday, January 16, offers a brief window of "sunny intervals"—that optimistic British term for "the sun might come out for ten minutes while you're in the Tesco queue." Temperatures will hold steady at 10°C.
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Then, Saturday and Sunday (January 17-18) turn overcast and grey. It’s not freezing, but the "feels like" temperature will likely hover around 6°C because of a persistent easterly breeze. If you're planning a stroll through Hyde Park or a trip to the Southbank markets, wear layers.
Why the forecast keeps shifting
Predicting London's weather is a nightmare for meteorologists. You’ve got the Urban Heat Island effect, where all the concrete and millions of heaters keep the city center several degrees warmer than the leafy suburbs like Richmond or Croydon.
But the real drama right now is the tug-of-war between two massive air masses. On one side, we have the mild, moist air coming off the Atlantic. On the other, there’s a looming threat of a "Beast from the East" style scenario. Jim Dale from British Weather Services has pointed out that by January 21, we could see a massive plume of Siberian air colliding with the moisture over the North Sea.
If that happens, the weather report for london england for late January will look very different. We could go from 10°C rain to -10°C snow in a matter of days. It’s all about whether that high pressure over Scandinavia holds its ground.
What to actually wear this week
Forget the fashion blogs. This is about survival.
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- Footwear with grip: The rain is washing away the last of the Goretti ice, but the mix of wet leaves and grit makes London pavements notoriously slippery.
- The "Waterproof-plus-one" strategy: A puffer jacket is great until it gets soaked. Go for a thin waterproof shell over a fleece or a light down jacket.
- The Hat Factor: London wind tunnels (looking at you, Canary Wharf) will ruin an umbrella in seconds. A beanie or a snug hood is more reliable.
The humidity is the silent killer. 90%+ humidity at 9°C feels much colder than 4°C in a dry climate. It gets into your bones. It’s that damp chill that makes a pub fireplace feel like a religious experience.
Looking ahead: Will it actually snow?
The short answer: Maybe, but probably not in the way you want.
Historically, January is London’s snowiest month, but "snowy" in London usually means "sleet that turns into grey slush by 11:00 AM." The weather report for london england suggests that while northern England and Scotland are getting hammered with 15cm accumulations, London is mostly seeing the "leftovers."
The Met Office’s long-range outlook for the rest of January 2026 leans towards "drier than average" but with a higher-than-usual chance of cold snaps. We are currently in a La Niña year, which tends to favor northerly winds. This means that while we are mild right now, the door is wide open for a sudden Arctic blast before the month ends.
Survival tips for a London January
Check the "rain radar" apps rather than just the daily percentage. In London, a "60% chance of rain" often means it will drizzle for six hours straight, whereas a "90% chance" might mean one heavy downpour followed by clear skies.
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If you're a tourist, use the weather as an excuse to hit the museums. The British Museum and the V&A are climate-controlled heavens when it's 8°C and spitting rain outside. Plus, January is the quietest month for crowds. You can actually see the Rosetta Stone without being elbowed by a tour group.
Actionable insights for the next 7 days
Stop checking the temperature and start checking the wind speed. An 8°C day with a 20mph easterly wind feels colder than a 2°C day that’s dead calm.
- Wednesday/Thursday: High rain risk. Use the Underground more than the buses to avoid the wet walk between stops.
- Friday: The best day for outdoor photography. The light after a rainstorm in London is crisp and beautiful.
- Next Week (Jan 19-21): Watch for the potential "Beast" arrival. If the wind direction shifts to the East, expect a sharp drop in temperatures.
The most important thing to remember about the weather report for london england is that it's a suggestion, not a promise. The city creates its own microclimate. One minute you're shielding your face from a sideways gale on London Bridge, and ten minutes later, you're peeling off your coat because the Central Line is a balmy 28°C. Layer up, stay dry, and always have a backup plan that involves a roof.
Check your home’s insulation and pipe lagging now before the potential cold front hits on the 21st. If the Siberian air mass does arrive, temperatures will drop fast, and the sudden freeze is usually what causes the most plumbing issues in older London flats. Keep a salt bag by the front door if you have outdoor steps; the freezing rain predicted for early next week will turn those stairs into a slide by dawn.