Londoners are bracing for a sharp temperature drop this week as forecasters warn of widespread frost and potentially severe winter conditions heading into the weekend. The Met Office said 2025 is to begin with a cold spell, with wintry showers, ice and frost all in the mix.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for ice across parts of the country, with temperatures in the capital expected to plummet to -2°C overnight as rain clears southward. London is under a mega 45-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)
Meteorologists are particularly concerned about the risk to motorists as standing water from recent rainfall freezes on untreated surfaces.
Dan Holley is a Deputy Chief Forecaster for the Met Office. He said: “An Atlantic frontal system is likely to move across parts of central and southern UK through the weekend. With milder, moisture-laden air engaging with the cold conditions already in place this may bring a spell of snow in some areas, before possibly turning back to rain in the south.
“At this stage there is a fair amount of uncertainty over exactly which areas will see disruptive snow, with parts of Wales, northern England and the Midlands most likely to see some impacts. Here we could see 5cm or more in quite a few areas, and perhaps as much as 20-30cm over high ground, including Wales and the Pennines. Coupled with strengthening winds this could lead to drifting, making travelling conditions difficult over higher-level routes in particular.”
The dramatic temperature change comes as arctic air begins flowing across the UK, replacing the wet and windy conditions that characterized the New Year period. Commuters are being advised to take extra precautions, particularly during early morning journeys when ice risk is highest.
Detailed Forecast:
Tonight: Rain will gradually clear southwards, followed by much colder conditions with clear spells. Risk of frost formation, particularly in western areas. Any isolated showers could lead to icy patches on untreated surfaces. Minimum temperature -2°C.
Thursday: A notably colder but predominantly dry day with winter sunshine for most areas. Some cloud may linger in far eastern regions, but expected to clear as the day progresses. Light winds and maximum temperature of 3°C.
Friday: Very cold start with widespread frost. Dry conditions expected with plenty of wintry sunshine throughout the day. Morning commuters should be prepared for potential ice on untreated surfaces.
Saturday and Sunday: Saturday starts bright but gradually clouding over from the west. Increasing uncertainty for the weekend with risk of widespread snow, potentially followed by rain. Winds strengthening with milder temperatures by Sunday. Spells of rain moving in from the southwest, possibly turning wintry over hills before dawn. Weekend travelers should stay updated with the latest weather warnings and travel advice.
London is under a mega 45-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).
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