London is under a mega 57-hour yellow weather warning for snow, starting from the stroke of midnight on Saturday (January 4) and lasting until the early morning of Monday (January 6), according to the Met Office.
Weather experts predict there’s a small chance power cuts may strike, alongside potential disruptions to mobile phone coverage. Some rural spots risk being isolated due to the snowy conditions.
According to the Met Office, bouts of rain will push northeast across the region late on Saturday, turning into snow on its northern edge. “Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially (but not exclusively) on hills.”
Given the current unpredictability, the official warning area, including commencement and conclusion times, are likely to evolve in the lead-up to the event.
Forecast for London and South East
Today:
Cloudy but mostly dry to start. Persistent, locally heavy and squally, rain spreads southeast from mid-morning and will last through much of the afternoon. Very windy, with gales likely, especially on coasts, easing through the day. Mild. Maximum temperature 12 °C. Into tonight, rain, locally heavy in the southeast, will gradually clear overnight. Turning much colder through the early hours, with clear spells allowing a frost to form, especially in the west. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
Thursday:
Feeling much colder but mostly dry, with sunny spells for many, although perhaps more cloudy in the far east of the region. Generally light winds. Maximum temperature 3 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Very cold with widespread frosts, perhaps severe. Mostly dry with sunny spells. Risk of widespread snow Sunday, perhaps followed by rain, but low confidence. Potentially windy on Sunday.