London, Wednesday 14 January 2026 —A snow and ice weather warning remains in force across large parts of the UK as the country continues to feel the effects of Storm Goretti. Although the storm’s damaging winds and heavy snowfall have moved away, a mass of cold Arctic air is still locked over Britain, keeping night-time temperatures at or below 0°C and creating a high risk of black ice, frost and patchy snow across England, Wales and Scotland.
Weather guidance for Wednesday shows a typical post-storm winter pattern, with daytime temperatures only a few degrees above zero followed by widespread refreezing after dark on untreated roads, pavements and rail lines. This is reported by The WP Times, citing the UK Met Officeweather warning and forecast maps for 14 January.
Temperatures across the UK today
Typical ranges for Wednesday 14 January:
| Area | Overnight low | Daytime high |
|---|---|---|
| London | 0°C to 2°C | 4°C to 6°C |
| Birmingham | -1°C to 1°C | 3°C to 5°C |
| Inland Wales | -2°C to 1°C | 2°C to 4°C |
| Northern England | -2°C to 1°C | 2°C to 5°C |
| Central Scotland | -3°C to 0°C | 1°C to 4°C |
These values mean that any moisture left on roads, pavements and rail surfaces freezes rapidly after sunset, even where no new snow is falling.
What London and Birmingham are seeing today
London
Daytime temperatures are around 5°C, with cloud and occasional light rain or drizzle. After around 18:00, temperatures are expected to fall towards 1°C, allowing wet pavements, cycle lanes and side streets to freeze. Bridges, flyovers and other elevated roads remain the most exposed to black ice.
Birmingham and the West Midlands
Highs today are close to 4°C, with overnight lows around 0°C or slightly below. Icy patches are expected to form widely, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Any brief showers later in the day may turn to sleet as temperatures fall.
Snow and wintry showers
Colder air across northern England, Wales and Scotland continues to support wintry showers today. Snow is most likely over higher ground in Wales, the Pennines and much of Scotland. In parts of northern England, rain may turn briefly to snow overnight. Accumulations are expected to be light, but still sufficient to worsen icy road conditions.
In southern England and London, most precipitation will fall as rain, but wet snow cannot be ruled out overnight if temperatures drop to 0°C or below.
Why Storm Goretti is still affecting conditions
Storm Goretti, which affected the UK between 8 and 10 January, brought wind gusts of almost 99 mph in exposed parts of the South West, widespread snowfall across Wales, northern England and Scotland, and snow depths of up to 30 cm on higher ground. Power cuts, fallen trees, cancelled trains and school closures were reported across multiple regions.
The storm left behind compacted snow, waterlogged ground and damaged surfaces, meaning that even small temperature drops now lead to rapid and dangerous refreezing.
Travel and disruption
Roads
Wet roads are refreezing overnight, particularly on minor and untreated routes, increasing the risk of black ice.
Rail
Some routes in Wales, the Midlands and northern England continue to operate with speed restrictions because of ice close to the tracks.
Airports
Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester airports report normal operations, with de-icing teams on standby as a precaution.
Another Atlantic weather system is set to reach the UK this weekend, bringing rain, sleet and snow as it collides with the cold air still trapped over the country. Forecasters say this increases the risk of icy roads, slush build-up and renewed disruption, particularly on motorways, untreated rural routes and rail lines. In London and Birmingham, any snowfall is expected to be wet and brief, but night-time temperatures near or below 0°C mean that melted snow and rain will refreeze, creating dangerous black ice during the early morning and evening travel periods.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life:Snow storm weather forecast UK: London and Birmingham face wintry conditions after Storm Goretti
