When will it snow in London? Forecaster issues major update as Arctic blast grips UK

"Snow and ice are forecast across much of the UK over the first few days of 2026 with London set to freeze in even colder temperatures. For thousands of Londoners who braved sub-zero conditions on New Year's Eve, today (January 1) will feel relatively mild with a high of 7C expected. Tomorrow (January 2) will see a yellow warning for snow and ice come into force across large parts of England and Wales between midnight and noon, including London and Kent up to Chester and Greater Manchester."

"But according to BBC Weather, Tuesday, January 6, is when London is most likely to be hit by snow showers. And it doesn't look like just being a blink-and-you miss-it few flakes landing on the capital either. The forecaster is predicting snow falling throughout the morning, with an probability on any given hour ranging from 38% to 51%. Further sleet showers are expected through the afternoon followed by more snow in the evening, with a probability as high as 62%."

"Bring the forecast forward, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in northern Scotland between 6am until the end of Friday. A yellow warning for wind is also in place until 9am on January 1 in Orkney and Shetland, Highlands and Eilean Siar and Aberdeenshire where gusts in excess of 70mph may occur. Separate yellow warnings are in place for Northern Ireland between midnight and 10am on Friday."

Snow and ice will affect much of the UK during the first days of January 2026, with colder conditions expected in London later in the week. London will be relatively mild on January 1 with a high of 7C, but a yellow warning for snow and ice takes effect on January 2 across large parts of England and Wales between midnight and noon. Some areas, especially higher ground in North Wales and north-west England, could see up to 5cm of snow. BBC Weather predicts sustained snow showers for London on January 6 with morning hourly probabilities of 38–51%, sleet in the afternoon, and evening snow probabilities up to 62%. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice in northern Scotland and a yellow wind warning with gusts over 70mph for parts of the far north and islands. Separate yellow warnings cover Northern Ireland. People are urged to expect longer journey times and a heightened risk of slips and falls as icy surfaces develop quickly.

Read at www.standard.co.uk