London Weather: A Blast of Arctic Air and What to Expect
Winter is making a surprising return to the UK, and London is feeling the chill! A surge of Arctic air has brought single-digit temperatures, blustery winds, and the possibility of snow to parts of the country. While weather warnings have passed, the cold weather is expected to linger into the weekend.
Current Conditions & Recent Snowfall
Scotland has already seen a dusting of snow, particularly in the central belt, causing disruptions during the Friday morning commute. Snow showers are still likely in the Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland. Even areas in England, like the Lake District and the Pennines, could experience wintry scenes.
Throughout Friday, expect a mix of sunshine and blustery showers, with the potential for hail and even thunder. The turbulent atmosphere may also treat us to some spectacular cloud formations and the occasional rainbow.
Temperature Outlook & Weekend Forecast
Friday began with a touch of frost in northern areas, and temperatures will struggle to reach double digits, except in the relatively milder south-eastern regions. While not as windy as Thursday, the blustery conditions will make it feel significantly colder, especially during showers.
The cold is set to persist through the weekend, with frosty nights anticipated in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Daytime temperatures will remain below average. Saturday will start frosty but with plenty of sunshine. Showers will develop, becoming more frequent in the afternoon, but not affecting all areas.
Sunday will see more numerous showers, with increased cloud cover and wind, reducing the risk of frost. However, by Sunday night, there’s a renewed chance of wintry showers returning to the north.
Looking Ahead: A Return to Milder Temperatures
The colder air is expected to remain in place until early next week, after which temperatures will gradually begin to recover, rising slightly above the average for mid-March. For the most up-to-date, hour-by-hour forecasts, check online resources or the BBC Weather app.
The Science Behind the Cold Snap
The current temperature drop across the UK is largely determined by the source of our air and wind direction. This cold snap can be traced back to the United States, where a clash between warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold Arctic air generated deadly storms with tornadoes and record-breaking hail in Illinois.
This dramatic temperature contrast strengthened the jet stream – powerful winds high in the atmosphere that travel eastward across the North Atlantic. Racing across the Atlantic at speeds exceeding 200mph, the jet stream has helped develop a deep area of low pressure near Iceland. This system swept across the UK on Thursday, drawing down cold Arctic air in its wake.
Related Articles
- Wildflowers blanket Death Valley in best display since 2016
- Wet winter leads to ‘extremely frustrating’ grassroots football season
- Striking sunsets with risk of ‘blood rain’ as Saharan dust sweeps UK
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
