If you stepped outside in London this morning, you probably faced a bit of a dilemma at your coat rack. It's that classic British January struggle. One minute you're shielding your face from a biting frost, and the next, you're wondering if that tiny peak of sunshine means you can finally unzip your parka. Honestly, the weather in London today was a textbook example of why we can't stop talking about the forecast. It wasn't just cold; it was a complex mix of ice, fog, and a surprising afternoon climb that caught a lot of commuters off guard.
What Was the Weather in London Today? The Cold Hard Facts
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. To answer the big question—what was the weather in London today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026—you have to look at the massive swing in conditions from dawn to dusk. We started the day in the freezer. Early morning temperatures hovered around a crisp 27°F (-3°C), with a significant "ice fog" warning that turned the city into a grey, misty landscape.
By the afternoon, however, things took a turn toward the milder side. The mercury climbed up to a high of 48°F (about 9°C). While that doesn't sound like a tropical heatwave, after a morning of scraping ice off windshields, it felt like a different world. Humidity remained high throughout the day, sticking around 88% to 94%, which basically means that damp, "gets-into-your-bones" chill never really left, even when the sun tried to make an appearance.
Morning Frost and the Ice Fog Factor
The early hours were arguably the most dramatic part of the day. Around 8:00 AM, visibility in parts of Greater London dropped to almost zero. This wasn't just your standard "London fog." It was ice fog. According to local reports from stations like Northolt and Heathrow, visibility was as low as 0 miles in certain pockets.
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For anyone trying to catch a flight or navigate the M25, it was a nightmare. Ice fog occurs when the air temperature is well below freezing and the water droplets in the fog actually freeze upon contact with surfaces. It creates a thin, treacherous layer of "black ice" on the pavement. If you felt your boots slipping on the way to the Tube, that's exactly why.
Breaking Down the Midday Shift
Around noon, the fog finally began to lift, revealing a bit of a "January thaw." It's a phenomenon where, despite being in the dead of winter, a temporary surge of milder air moves in from the southwest.
- Morning (7 AM - 10 AM): Brutal cold. Temperatures between 27°F and 30°F. Heavy ice fog and zero visibility in many boroughs.
- Midday (11 AM - 2 PM): The fog clears. We saw a mix of "passing clouds" and actually a few decent hours of bright sunshine. Temperatures jumped from 32°F to 45°F in a very short window.
- Evening (5 PM - Late): The dampness returned. Light drizzle and low clouds settled back over the city. Temperatures stabilized around 45°F to 48°F, but it felt cooler due to the rising humidity.
Why the Wind Mattered (Or Didn't)
Surprisingly, the wind was mostly a non-factor for much of the morning. It was dead calm. While that sounds nice, a lack of wind is actually what allowed the fog to settle so heavily over the Thames Valley. It wasn't until the late afternoon that we saw a gentle breeze of about 5 to 7 mph coming from the south. This southerly flow is precisely what brought that slightly warmer air into the capital, pushing us toward that 48°F high.
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The "Feels Like" Discrepancy
We’ve all looked at our phones, seen "45 degrees," and then walked outside only to feel like we're in the Arctic. Today was one of those days. Even as the actual air temperature hit 48°F in the late evening, the high humidity (hitting 100% in some areas by 10 PM) meant the "feels like" temperature stayed significantly lower.
When the air is that saturated, your body can't regulate heat as effectively, and the dampness just clings to your clothes. It’s the reason a dry 30°F day in the Highlands can sometimes feel more comfortable than a damp 48°F night in Southwark.
A Tale of Two Londons: Ontario vs. England
Interestingly, if you were searching for "what was the weather in London today" and happened to be in London, Ontario, you had a much wilder experience. While London, UK, was dealing with fog and a mild drizzle, London, Canada, was under a massive snowfall warning. They were bracing for 10 to 20 cm of snow and wind chills dropping to -20. It's a good reminder to always check that "UK" or "Canada" tag before you plan your outfit!
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Looking Ahead: Is the Thaw Here to Stay?
Don't pack away the thermal socks just yet. While today’s peak of 48°F was a nice break from the sub-zero start, the forecast for the rest of the week suggests we’re staying in this damp, grey transitional zone. We are looking at highs of 49°F for Thursday and Friday, but with a much higher chance of rain—around 70%.
The ice fog might be gone for now, but the "Big Grey" is settling in. This kind of weather is actually quite common for London in mid-January. We're past the shortest days of the year, but the Atlantic weather systems are starting to push through more frequently, bringing that signature British rain.
Practical Tips Based on Today's Conditions
- Layering is non-negotiable: Today proved that a single heavy coat isn't enough. You needed a base layer for the 27°F morning and something breathable for the 48°F afternoon.
- Watch the "Micro-Climates": Visibility at Heathrow was zero this morning, while the City center was slightly clearer. London's "urban heat island" effect usually keeps the center a degree or two warmer, but it also traps pollutants and fog.
- Footwear matters: With the drizzle and the leftovers of the ice fog, surfaces are incredibly slick. Stick to shoes with good rubber grip; those leather-soled brogues are a recipe for a fall on the wet pavement of London Bridge.
The weather in London today was basically a reminder that January is a month of extremes. We transitioned from an icy, dangerous morning to a damp, mild evening in less than twelve hours. It wasn't the most beautiful day the city has ever seen, but it was certainly a busy one for the meteorologists.
Moving into tomorrow, keep your umbrella handy. The fog is giving way to proper showers, and the "January thaw" will continue to bring those mid-to-high 40s temperatures, even if it remains stubbornly overcast. Check your local transport apps before heading out, as the residual dampness and late-night drizzle can still cause minor delays on the overground lines. Stay dry and keep those layers close.