Weather in London Now: What Most People Get Wrong About a January Forecast

Weather in London Now: What Most People Get Wrong About a January Forecast

Right now, London is basically doing that thing where it can't decide if it wants to be a winter wonderland or just a very damp sponge. If you're standing outside in the City or hanging around the South Bank today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, you've probably noticed it's feeling a bit "raw."

Honestly, the weather in london now is a classic case of January indecision. We're looking at a daytime high of 48°F (about 9°C), which sounds manageable until you factor in the 88% humidity and that persistent light rain. It's not a downpour, but it's that fine mist that manages to soak through your "waterproof" jacket in about twenty minutes.

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What's Actually Happening Outside

The current temperature is hovering around 34°F as we transition from the overnight hours. It’s clear for the moment, but don't let those stars fool you; the clouds are moving back in fast. We’ve got a light breeze coming from the northwest at about 3 mph, though that’s expected to shift and pick up as the day progresses.

Here is the breakdown of what the sky is doing:

  • Morning: Starting off crisp and clear but clouding over rapidly.
  • Afternoon: Light rain becomes the main character, with a 35% chance of precipitation during the day.
  • Evening: The chance of rain bumps up to 40%, and temperatures will dip back down toward a low of 33°F.

The Big Thursday Shift

If you think today is a bit grey, keep an eye on tomorrow, Thursday, January 15. The Met Office has been tracking a deepening area of low pressure—some are calling it Storm Goretti—which is set to migrate northeastwards across England.

For Londoners, this means a much wetter and windier situation. We’re talking about a 75% chance of rain and south winds hitting 12 mph. While the "beast from the east" snow rumors always fly around this time of year, the current data suggests the freezing level is just high enough that London will see heavy rain rather than the 10–20cm of snow predicted for the Midlands and Wales. Still, the ground is already saturated. Surface water flooding is a real risk if you're commuting through low-lying areas.

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How to Actually Survive London This Week

Look, generic umbrellas are useless in London wind. They just turn inside out and become a metal skeleton in your hand. If you're out and about, a heavy wool coat is a mistake—it’ll just absorb the moisture and stay wet for three days. You want layers and a technical shell.

Basically, the weather in london now is a reminder that January in the capital isn't about the temperature on the thermometer; it's about the "feels like" factor. With the humidity so high, that 48°F feels significantly colder.

Next Steps for Your Week:

  1. Check the drainage: If you’ve got a garden or a basement flat, clear those leaves before Thursday’s heavy rain hits.
  2. Waterproof your shoes: Today is the last "dry-ish" window to treat your boots before the 75% rain probability kicks in tomorrow.
  3. Plan for delays: Thursday's storm track is uncertain, but the Met Office expects travel disruption. If you can work from home that day, honestly, just do it.