UK Weather End of Cold Spell in Sight

London — January 11, 2026

After weeks of biting cold, icy mornings and widespread frost, there are growing signs that the UK’s prolonged winter chill is finally easing. Meteorologists say the end of the cold spell is now in sight, with parts of the country expected to experience milder temperatures later this week — in some cases even warmer than Madrid.

According to the Met Office, a significant shift in weather patterns is set to take hold as cold Arctic air retreats and is replaced by milder Atlantic systems pushing in from the west. This transition is expected to bring a gradual rise in daytime temperatures across much of England, Wales and parts of Scotland, marking a notable change after one of the coldest starts to the year in recent memory.

Forecasters say southern and western regions are likely to feel the change first, with temperatures climbing into double digits by midweek. In parts of southern England, highs of 13–15°C are possible, surpassing those forecast for Madrid, where cooler continental conditions are expected to persist.

A Notable Shift After Prolonged Cold

The UK has endured an extended cold spell since late December, driven by high-pressure systems over Scandinavia that funnelled freezing air southwards. Overnight temperatures frequently dropped below zero, with snow and ice causing travel disruption, school closures and strain on energy supplies.

In recent days, however, weather models have shown increasing confidence that the pattern is breaking down. The Met Office confirmed that milder air is moving in from the Atlantic, bringing cloudier skies, higher overnight temperatures and, in some areas, rain rather than snow.

“This marks a clear change from the conditions we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “While it won’t feel warm everywhere, many areas will notice a significant improvement, especially during the day.”

Where Will It Feel Warmest?

Southern England and parts of Wales are expected to see the biggest contrast, with temperatures rising well above the seasonal average. Cities such as London, Bristol and Cardiff could see daytime highs comparable to early spring rather than mid-winter.

Northern England and Scotland are also expected to warm up, though the change will be more gradual. While frost will become less widespread, higher ground in Scotland may continue to experience wintry conditions, particularly overnight.

Forecasters caution that while the cold spell is easing, the milder weather will likely come with increased rainfall and gusty winds, especially in western regions exposed to Atlantic fronts.

Warmer Than Madrid — A Striking Comparison

The prospect of UK temperatures overtaking those in Madrid has drawn attention, highlighting the unusual nature of Europe’s current weather patterns. While the UK transitions into milder Atlantic air, much of southern Europe is experiencing cooler, unsettled conditions linked to shifting jet stream patterns.

Meteorologists stress that such contrasts are not unprecedented but remain striking for mid-January. Weather experts say the comparison underscores how dynamic winter weather can be across the continent.

Impact on Travel, Health and Energy

The easing of cold conditions is expected to bring relief across several sectors. Transport operators anticipate fewer weather-related delays as ice and snow risks diminish, while local authorities may see reduced pressure on gritting services.

Health officials also welcome the milder outlook, as cold spells are often linked to increased hospital admissions, particularly among older people and those with respiratory conditions.

Energy analysts note that the warmer weather could help stabilise household energy demand after weeks of high heating use. However, they caution that any savings may be offset by increased wind and rain affecting infrastructure.

What Happens Next?

While the immediate outlook points to milder conditions, forecasters emphasise that winter is far from over. Weather systems remain changeable, and brief colder interludes could still return later in the month.

“The key message is improvement, not an end to winter altogether,” meteorologists say. “This is a temporary shift, though a welcome one.”

For now, much of the UK can look forward to a break from the deep freeze, with temperatures rising, frost retreating and a sense that winter’s grip is finally loosening.

Published: 11 January 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online