The first snow of the season has fallen in London as an Arctic blast sweeps across the capital.
Londoners took to social media to share their excitement after snow and sleet fell for around an hour on Wednesday morning, posting pictures and videos from Twickenham to Cricklewood.
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan activated the first Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) of the season shortly after the snowfall to protect rough sleepers as temperatures head towards 0C.
Extra emergency accommodation will be made available for people sleeping rough in the freezing conditions.
It comes as the Met Office predicted that up to 25cm of snow could hit the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, while areas of Scotland could be covered in 20cm of snowfall.
BREAKING NEWS: It’s snowing in West London. pic.twitter.com/kIyRSFdplN
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 19, 2025
Londoners were quick to take to social media to react to the fresh snowfall on Wednesday.
One user on X said: “I can’t believe it’s snowing in St.John’s Wood, London. It’s only November!”
Another user celebrated: “First time seeing snow in London!!
Others were less happy and bemoaned the weather, complaining: “I hate London why does it snow and rain.”
Another person wrote: “Snow flurries in north London - expecting the bloke on skis to go past any minute now”
SNOW? IN LONDON? IN NOVEMBER?!
— ☾Paz⁷ (@JlNSM00N) November 19, 2025
An amber alert for snow and ice was issued throughout Thursday in Yorkshire, while further warnings will come into force across Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwest parts of England and much of Scotland in the coming days.
The forecaster predicted that Londoners could expect sleet or even snow as temperatures continued to plummet.
Temperatures have plunged to below freezing in the capital as a five-day cold snap grips the country.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong explained: “Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.
“As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland.
First snow in #London pic.twitter.com/hOB061xEmK
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) November 19, 2025
“Whilst not all places will see lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm will be possible. On higher ground in Scotland, 15-20 cm could accumulate, and potentially as much as 15-25 cm over the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds.”
Temperatures could be as low as -11C in rural parts of Scotland on Thursday night with temperatures remaining in low single figures in the capital.
The Met Office has predicted that, despite the cold weather, there will be sunny intervals in the capital, although Londoners could have a damp weekend in store.
Sir Sadiq said: “With temperatures dropping below zero, we have activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol for the first time this winter to ensure anyone sleeping rough in freezing conditions is offered emergency accommodation and support to stay off the streets for good.
“Earlier this year, I announced the biggest ever single investment of £10million to tackle homelessness to support those most at risk of sleeping rough. And for the first time ever, a new focus on prevention will allow teams to step in and provide support to Londoners at risk of rough sleeping before they spend a first night on the streets.
“I am committed to ending rough sleeping by 2030 and providing support to get people off the streets. Helping people to start rebuilding their lives is at the centre of our plan, as we work together to build a safer, fairer London for everyone.”
It’s snowing here in London. The first winter snow. Care to have white Christmas? pic.twitter.com/BvmgO5zeea
— Engineer Bhebhe (@EngineerBhebhe) November 19, 2025
Homeless charity St Mungo’s said it will extend its reach while the SWEP is in place.
Hannah Faulkner, Head of Pan London Rough Sleeping Services and Prevention at St Mungo’s said: “As temperatures drop to freezing, the risks for people sleeping rough become increasingly severe. Prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions can lead to serious health problems such as hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illness, and can also worsen existing medical conditions. In some cases, this can be fatal.
St Mungo’s is ready to respond to this urgent situation. Our teams are working night and day to bring people indoors to safe, warm accommodation and connect them with the essential support they need.”
Darren Clark, severe weather resilience adviser at National Highways said: “With snow forecast and freezing conditions across parts of England this week, National Highways winter operation is in full swing with gritters already completing their first runs of the season.
“We have more than 530 gritters available nationally and we can rapidly call on additional reserves when snow hits or conditions demand it. We work closely with the Met Office, receiving updated forecasts throughout the day and our crews are on duty around the clock, ready to head out whenever they’re needed.
“We’re also urging drivers to prepare for winter, and not be caught out by it. Quick checks, such as topping up fuel and screenwash, checking lights and tyres, and planning ahead, can make all the difference when the weather turns.”
