London weather is basically a mood ring that only comes in shades of grey. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the capital this January, you know the drill: one day you’re walking through St. James's Park in a light jacket, and the next you’re wondering if you should’ve invested in those heated socks you saw on TikTok.
Right now, we are looking at a weirdly split reality for the weather 14 day forecast London UK.
The first half of this window is looking relatively tame. We are talking about highs of 51°F today and tomorrow—which, let’s be real, is basically a "heatwave" for London in January. But don't get too comfortable. There is a massive shift coming that might just turn your commute into a scene from The Day After Tomorrow.
The Calm Before the Sleet
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is staying cloudy with a high of 51°F. It’s damp, the humidity is sitting at 91%, and it feels a bit like breathing in a wet sponge. Typical.
Monday looks almost identical. But come Tuesday, January 20, the rain starts to move in more consistently. We are looking at light rain and a slight dip in temps to 50°F. By the time we hit the middle of the week, Wednesday, January 21, the mercury starts to slide.
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Expect 47°F.
Then 45°F.
Then 42°F.
It’s a slow-motion descent into the freezer. You’ll notice the wind shifting too. We’ve had these gentle southeast breezes, but by next weekend, that air is going to start coming from the northeast. That is the direction that usually brings the "fun" stuff.
Is the "Beast from the East" Actually Happening?
The phrase "Beast from the East" gets thrown around by tabloids every time someone sees a snowflake in a crystal ball, but this time, the maps are actually backing it up.
Meteorologists are tracking a significant battle between Atlantic weather systems and high pressure creeping in from the east. By the time we get to Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, the "liquid" rain is expected to turn into sleet.
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What to expect in the second week:
- January 26: Sleet showers likely, especially in the morning. Highs of 41°F, lows of 33°F.
- January 27: More light snow or sleet. It’s that biting, "gets into your bones" kind of cold.
- January 28: Mostly cloudy and even colder, hitting a high of only 36°F and a low of 30°F.
There is a lot of talk about a "snow bomb" or a massive "snow wall" hitting the UK around January 30 and 31. While London usually dodges the worst of it because of the urban heat island effect—all those buildings and people keep the city a couple of degrees warmer—this particular system looks beefy enough to actually stick.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your Plans
If you’re planning a night out at the end of the month, or maybe a weekend trip to see the art exhibitions in town, you need to be prepared for disruption.
Snow in London usually means the trains decide to take a nap. Historically, even a few centimeters of the white stuff turns the Northern Line into a guessing game.
Expert forecasters from the Met Office are being cautious, as they always are. They’ve noted a "high degree of uncertainty" for the very end of January. Basically, it’s a toss-up between a generic cold snap and a full-blown winter wonderland.
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Survival Steps for the Next Fortnight
Don't wait until the first snowflake hits to find your gloves.
- Check your heating now. January 28 is going to be a 30°F night. You don't want to find out your boiler is on strike when the temperature is sub-zero.
- Waterproof everything. The transition from rain to sleet is the messiest part of the weather 14 day forecast London UK. Leather boots are great, but only if they’re treated.
- Watch the wind. A 40°F day feels like 30°F when that northeast wind starts kicking in. Layers aren't just a fashion choice; they're a survival strategy.
By the first week of February, there’s a chance we might see a return to milder, rainier conditions. But for now, the message is clear: enjoy the "warm" 51°F while it lasts, because the end of the month is looking decidedly frosty. Keep an eye on the daily updates, because in London, the weather changes faster than the prices at a tourist-trap pub.
Check your travel apps before heading out starting January 25, as the freezing rain and sleet transition can lead to slick platforms and delayed buses across the capital.