Great Morning!
"Today's grey skies are just the opening act — London's weekend is set to be a warm and sunny one."
What's the weather like right now?
London wakes to a thick blanket of cloud this Tuesday morning, with current temperatures sitting at a cool 11.6°C. While the mercury is expected to climb to a more comfortable 17.7°C through the afternoon, don't let that mislead you — the overcast conditions are set to persist for much of the day, keeping the city under that familiar grey London sky.
There is a 28% chance of rain today, which is notably lower than Monday's 45% — a modest but welcome improvement. Showers, if they do arrive, are likely to be light and intermittent rather than sustained downpours, so Londoners can be cautiously optimistic about a relatively dry day.
Current temp 11.6°C
Today's high 17.7°C
Conditions Cloudy
Rain chance 28%
Understanding today's conditions
Cloudy days in May can often feel cooler than the actual temperature suggests, largely due to the absence of direct sunlight and any brisk southwesterly breeze that may accompany the cloud cover. At 11.6°C overnight into this morning, you'll want a light jacket or a mid-layer for your morning commute. By midday, as temperatures approach the high-teens, that layer can comfortably come off — but keep it close if you're heading out this evening, as temperatures will drop once the sun (if it makes any appearance) dips below the horizon.
Weather note: The cloud cover is providing a diffuse UV environment today. While direct sunburn risk is reduced compared to bright sunny days, UV rays still penetrate overcast skies — particularly between 11am and 3pm. Don't skip SPF if you're spending time outdoors.
5-day forecast at a glance
Mon 15°C 45% (rain chance)
Tue 18°C 28% (rain chance)
Wed 19°C 20% (rain chance)
Thu 22°C 10% (rain chance)
Fri 27°C 0% (rain chance)
The outlook beyond today is genuinely encouraging. Wednesday brings a further easing of rain risk to 20%, and by Thursday the clouds begin to thin with temperatures nudging 22°C. Friday looks like the standout day of the week — a 0% rain chance and a high of 27°C makes it worth circling in your diary for outdoor plans, whether that's a picnic in Hyde Park or a long lunch on a restaurant terrace.
Precautions to take before heading out
Whether you're commuting, walking the dog, or spending the day outdoors, here's what our team recommends for a comfortable Tuesday in London:
A note for commuters & families
For those navigating the Tube or bus network this morning, temperatures underground will feel noticeably warmer than the grey outdoors — the Central line especially can be stuffy even on mild days, so opt for breathable fabrics if you're commuting.
Parents and carers sending children to school: a light waterproof jacket and a small umbrella in the school bag is the sensible call today. The afternoon pick-up window around 3–4pm sits at the highest daily temperature, so they won't overheat, but a quick shower remains a possibility.
For those planning outdoor lunch breaks, the midday hours between 12pm and 2pm offer the warmest window of the day. A park bench lunch is perfectly achievable — just keep an eye on the sky and have a plan if a cloud does decide to open up.
Bottom line
Tuesday 19 May is a classic mild, overcast London spring day — not dramatic, not miserable, just reliably grey. Temperatures are comfortable, rain is possible but not certain, and the week ahead looks increasingly bright. Dress in layers, pack a compact umbrella, and you'll be more than prepared. The weekend sunshine is only a few days away.
