Londoners could be welcoming the new year with a flurry of snow, according to the latest meteorological predictions. While the capital missed out on a White Christmas, the opening days of 2026 are now expected to bring a wintry chill and potential snowfall.
A Frosty Turn for the New Year
After a relatively mild winter season so far, a significant dip in temperatures is on the horizon for next weekend. The BBC Weather forecast indicates that the mercury could plunge as low as -1°C in the early hours of Saturday, January 3rd. This cold snap is likely to bring light snow across the capital.
The chilly conditions are not expected to be a one-off event. Forecasters predict several more rounds of snow will follow in the subsequent week, potentially creating a sustained period of wintry weather.
Detailed Day-by-Day Forecast
The final days of 2025 will remain comparatively mild before the change sets in. Temperatures are set to hover around 6°C for the rest of the coming week. New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, is forecast to be bright and sunny with clear skies and light winds, despite a cooler temperature of around 5°C.
The shift begins as we move into January. The first day of 2026, Thursday, January 1st, will see light cloud and a gentle breeze with a high of 7°C. Friday, January 2nd, will bring sunny intervals. However, the real change arrives on Saturday, January 3rd, when light snow is predicted alongside a high of just 4°C and overnight lows of -1°C.
The following days will see a brief respite with sunny intervals on Sunday and Monday, before the snow returns. According to the detailed forecast:
- Tuesday, January 6: Light snow, 3°C
- Wednesday, January 7: Sleet, 4°C
- Thursday, January 8: Sleet, 5°C
The latter part of the week will then transition to light rain and drizzle, making for a cold and damp period overall.
BBC Weather's Outlook
The BBC Weather forecast summarises the period, stating: “New Year's Eve will be cold but with plenty of wintry sunshine throughout. Variable amounts of cloud and some bright spells through New Year's Day.” It adds that it will become “breezier through the day with the outside chance of the odd light shower in the evening,” and that it will remain “bright and cold through Friday.”
This forecast will likely bring back memories for many Londoners of significant past snow events, such as the infamous 'Beast from the East' storm that hit the UK in 2018, causing widespread disruption.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on the latest forecasts as the new year approaches and prepare for potentially icy conditions on roads and pavements.
