Londoners who missed out on a white Christmas may finally see some festive scenery, as forecasters predict the capital will be hit by snow this weekend. The first weekend of 2026 is expected to bring a sharp drop in temperatures and wintry showers across the city.
When and Where Will the Snow Fall?
According to early predictions, the cold snap will arrive on Saturday 3 January 2026. The BBC's forecast suggests temperatures could fall to a chilly -1°C. Light snowfall is currently expected in two main periods: first between 8am and 11am on Saturday, and then again from 8pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday morning.
The Met Office has not issued a specific London snow warning yet. However, its long-range forecast for the period 2-11 January indicates a risk of "more coherent bands of rain, sleet and snow working south." It warns these could bring "a risk of more prolonged wintry precipitation" to some inland areas, with wintry showers likely on both Saturday and Sunday.
It remains unclear if any particular borough or area of London will receive more snow than others, with light, scattered flurries anticipated city-wide.
How Much Snow and What Will the Impact Be?
Forecasters are currently predicting only light snowfall, with no precise accumulation estimates in inches available yet. Due to the expected light nature of the snow, significant disruption to London's transport network is considered unlikely at this stage.
No formal weather warnings have been issued for London for the weekend, suggesting minimal expected impact on buses, trains, and roads. However, as is often the case with British weather, this situation could change as the weekend approaches and forecasts are updated.
Preparing for a Wintry Weekend
Residents are advised to prepare for the sudden cold snap. This means wrapping up warm, taking care on potentially slippery paths, and keeping an eye on the latest travel updates. While it may not be enough for a serious sledging session, the predicted flurries could provide a picturesque, if brief, wintry scene to mark the beginning of the new year.
