Honestly, if you're standing on Westminster Bridge right now, you aren't just feeling the cold—you're basically wearing it. London weather is famous for its mood swings, but today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, it’s being remarkably consistent. Consistently grey, that is.
So, let's cut to the chase.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at exactly 50°F (that’s about 10°C for the locals). It sounds mild for mid-January, right? It’s not exactly the arctic blast we sometimes see this time of year, but don't let that number fool you into leaving your coat at the hotel.
The air is thick.
Humidity is a massive factor today, currently clocking in at a heavy 92%. When the moisture is that high, the air feels heavier and the "chill" has a way of seeping through even a decent wool blend. It’s that classic London dampness that makes 50 degrees feel a whole lot more like 45.
Understanding What is the Temperature in London Now and Why it Feels Different
The actual temperature is just one part of the puzzle. You’ve probably heard people talk about "RealFeel," and today is a perfect example of why that matters. While the thermometer says 50°F, the lack of sun and the high moisture content create a very specific kind of British winter atmosphere.
We’ve got a tiny bit of wind coming from the northeast at just 1 mph. It’s basically a standstill.
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While a lack of wind is usually a good thing, today it means the cloud cover and the mist aren't being blown away. They're just... lingering. It's "partly sunny" according to the latest readings, but in London speak, that usually means you might see a pale yellow disc behind a thick curtain of grey for about five minutes.
The Breakdown of Today's Conditions
- Current Temp: 50°F (10°C)
- Today's High: 51°F (11°C)
- Tonight's Low: 42°F (6°C)
- UV Index: 1 (Basically non-existent)
- Precipitation Chance: Only 8% right now, though it’s been drizzling on and off.
If you’re heading out to Covent Garden or planning a walk through Hyde Park, you’re looking at a high of 51°F. It’s a very narrow window of temperature fluctuation today. You won't see much of a "warm-up" in the afternoon.
The January "Gloom" is Real
What’s interesting about what is the temperature in London now is how it compares to the historical averages. Usually, we’d expect things to be a few degrees cooler. The fact that we’re hitting 50°F is actually slightly above the norm, but the "grey factor" cancels out any of that supposed warmth.
Met Office experts have been tracking a stubborn area of low cloud and fog that's been sitting over eastern England. London is right in the thick of it.
I was chatting with a friend who works near the Shard this morning, and they mentioned the visibility is pretty hit-or-miss. One minute you can see across the Thames, the next, the top of the skyscrapers are completely swallowed by the "clag"—that lovely British term for low-lying cloud.
What to Wear (The Local Strategy)
You’ve got to layer. It’s the only way.
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Since the humidity is so high (92% to 94% throughout the day), you want a waterproof outer layer even if it isn't "properly" raining. That 8% chance of rain is more of a persistent misting than a downpour. A heavy parka might actually make you sweat if you're ducking in and out of the Tube, so a trench coat with a light sweater underneath is the pro move today.
Looking Ahead: Is it Getting Colder?
If you’re planning your week, don’t get too comfortable with these double-digit Celsius temperatures. The forecast for the next few days shows a slow slide.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, we’re looking at another high of 51°F, but the rain chances jump up to 20%. By the middle of the week, things start to get a bit more "January-ish." We're seeing hints of light rain and a drop in the lows toward the 40°F mark.
The Mid-Week Outlook
- Monday: High 51°F, Low 42°F. Light rain likely.
- Tuesday: High 50°F, Low 44°F. More of the same, honestly.
- Wednesday: High 48°F, Low 43°F. This is where you'll start to feel the dip.
There’s also been some chatter in the news—The Mirror and MyLondon have been highlighting some potential "wintry hazards" toward the end of the month. While some maps are showing a "wall of snow" for late January, don't cancel your plans just yet. London is a notorious heat island. It takes a lot for snow to actually settle in the city center compared to the home counties.
Why the "Microclimate" Matters
London is huge. What is the temperature in London now in Richmond might be a degree or two different from what you're feeling in the City or Canary Wharf.
The "Urban Heat Island" effect means the concrete and millions of people keep the central zones slightly warmer than the outskirts. If you're traveling in from Heathrow or Watford, expect it to feel a bit crispier.
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Right now, the conditions are being reported from central stations like Charing Cross. The air quality is currently rated as "Poor" in some spots due to the stagnant air and lack of wind to disperse urban pollutants. If you have sensitive lungs, maybe skip the long jog along the Embankment today and stick to the museums.
Your Immediate London Checklist
If you are out and about in the capital today, here is the reality of what you're dealing with:
- Visibility is low: Don't pay for the expensive view at the top of a skyscraper right this second. Wait for a gap in the clouds or a day with more wind.
- Waterproof everything: Not because of a storm, but because the air is essentially a sponge. Your hair will frizz, and your suede shoes will suffer.
- The Tube is your heater: If you get a bit of a chill from the dampness, a quick hop on the Central or Northern line will warm you up in about thirty seconds—those lines are notoriously toasty regardless of the weather outside.
- Check the clocks: Sunset is early, around 4:25 PM. The transition from the grey day to the dark evening happens fast, and the temperature will drop toward that 42°F low fairly quickly once the light fades.
Basically, it's a standard, damp, moody London Sunday. It's the kind of weather that practically begs you to find a cozy pub with a fireplace in Marylebone or a quiet corner in the British Museum.
Pro Tip: If you're heading to the Southbank, the wind off the river always feels sharper. Even though the wind speed is low across the city, the open space by the water catches whatever breeze there is. Keep that scarf tucked in.
To make the most of this 50°F day, check the live transport apps before you move. Damp tracks can sometimes lead to minor signal delays on the overground sections of the Tube. Stay dry, keep a light layer handy, and enjoy the misty atmosphere—it’s very Sherlock Holmes.