Honestly, if you've lived in London for more than five minutes, you know the drill. You look out the window, see a patch of blue, and five minutes later you're dodging a localized monsoon on Oxford Street. But London weather today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is playing a slightly different tune.
It’s chilly. Properly chilly.
Right now, we’re looking at a current temperature of 42°F, though it feels more like 38°F thanks to a gentle 5 mph breeze coming up from the south. The humidity is sitting high at 95%, so that damp, "gets-into-your-bones" London cold is very much in effect.
But here is the kicker: the rain is mostly staying away.
What to Expect From London Weather Today
We’ve had a rough week. You might remember the chaos from Storm Goretti just a few days ago—trees down, trains canceled, the whole bit. Then yesterday, the Met Office had us under a yellow warning for rain that felt like it would never end.
Today is the breather.
Basically, the forecast for the rest of Friday is cloudy but dry. While there’s a tiny 4% chance of a stray shower right now, the daytime precipitation risk only climbs to about 15%. Most of us won't see a drop. We’re heading for a daytime high of 49°F, which is pretty standard for mid-January.
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The Sunset and Daylight Situation
Don't expect much "golden hour" for your Instagram shots. The UV index is a flat zero. The sun actually rose at 7:56 AM and it's going to dip back down at 4:24 PM.
That gives us exactly 8 hours and 27 minutes of daylight. It’s a short window, so if you’re planning to walk through Hyde Park or hit the South Bank, do it sooner rather than later.
Should You Be Worried About Fog?
Earlier this morning, there was a bit of a localized fog warning for the commuters. It was one of those "can't see your hand in front of your face" situations in parts of the city.
Most of that has lifted now, but if you’re driving or taking the bus, keep in mind that visibility might still be a bit dodgy in low-lying areas near the Thames. The Met Office had flags out for Birmingham and London earlier, and while the worst is over, things are still a bit hazy.
Kinda makes the city look like a Sherlock Holmes set, doesn't it?
Air Quality Check
The air is actually surprisingly decent today. According to the London Air Quality Network, we’re in the "Low" pollution category. The Atlantic air feed is relatively clean, and the light breeze is doing just enough to disperse any local emissions.
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- Nitrogen Dioxide: Low
- Ozone: Low
- PM2.5 Particulates: Low
If you’ve got asthma or sensitive lungs, today is a good day to be out. It’s much better than the "Very Poor" levels we’ve seen in other years during stagnant winter high-pressure systems.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Forecast
If you’re making plans for Saturday or Sunday, keep the layers handy.
Tonight, the temperature is going to drop to around 41°F. It'll stay cloudy, and the rain chance bumps up slightly to 20%. Nothing to lose sleep over, but the ground is still pretty saturated from yesterday’s deluge, so puddles are going to be a permanent fixture.
Quick Glance at the Next 48 Hours
- Saturday: Expect more of the same. Patchy cloud, maybe a bit of sun if we’re lucky, and temperatures hovering near the seasonal average of 7°C (around 45°F-49°F).
- Sunday: A bit more unsettled. We might see some showery outbreaks, especially towards the evening.
Honestly, the real story is the "battle" the Met Office is tracking for next week. We’ve got Atlantic systems trying to push in from the west (bringing rain and mild air) while cold air from the east is trying to shove its way in.
There’s even some talk of sleet or a "wintry mix" by January 26th, but for London weather today, we're safe from the white stuff.
Actionable Advice for Londoners Today
Since it's a dry but damp-cold day, here is how to handle it:
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Dress for the "Feels Like" Temp Don't look at the 49°F high and think a light jacket is enough. That 95% humidity makes it feel significantly colder. A windproof outer layer is your best friend.
Check the Trains Before You Head Out
Even though the weather is calm today, the leftovers of yesterday’s rain and the fog from this morning are still causing "knock-on" delays on some Southern and Southeastern rail lines. Check the National Rail app before you leave the house.
Plan for the 4:30 PM Fade
Once the sun sets at 4:24 PM, the temperature will feel like it’s falling off a cliff. If you’re meeting friends for a drink after work, make sure you’ve got a scarf tucked in your bag.
Basically, today is a rare win for January. No storms, no yellow rain warnings, and just a standard, grey, chilly London Friday. Enjoy the dry pavements while they last!
Next Steps for Your Friday
- Check the live TfL status if you're using the Tube, as fog occasionally affects overground sections.
- Verify your flight status at Heathrow or Gatwick if you're traveling; morning fog sometimes causes slot delays that ripple through the afternoon.
- Stick to indoor activities after 4:30 PM to avoid the sharp evening chill.