The Met Office has placed London under a yellow weather warning for ice, with hazardous conditions expected to grip the capital overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Warning Details and Timing
The alert is scheduled to come into force at midnight tonight and will remain active until 10am on Wednesday, 7th January 2026. Forecasters warn that following a band of rain clearing southeast overnight, clear skies will lead to a rapid freeze, creating icy patches on any untreated wet surfaces.
This continues the new year cold snap, which saw last night become the coldest of the winter so far. Temperatures plunged to -12.5°C in Marham, Norfolk, with other parts of England also experiencing severe lows.
Risks and Public Advice
The primary concern is injuries from slips and falls. The Met Office specifically highlights that untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths will be particularly dangerous during the warning period.
Residents are being urged to take extra care if travelling early on Wednesday, especially those walking or cycling. Keeping up to date with the latest weather forecasts is also advised as conditions develop.
Broader Weather Context
The current wintry conditions are expected to linger before a significant change later in the week. A deep area of low pressure is predicted to move in from Thursday night, threatening southern parts of the UK with further snow, strong winds, and heavy rain.
Meanwhile, UKHSA Amber cold weather health alerts remain in force across England until 11th January. Several other severe weather warnings are also active across the UK, with a widespread ice risk and potential for further snow accumulations in Scotland.
