Birmingham is set to welcome 2026 with a distinctly chilly and damp start, according to the latest forecasts from weather experts. Residents across the West Midlands should brace for a cold New Year's Day dominated by rain and a biting wind.
A Wet and Windy Welcome to the New Year
The Met Office has outlined a gloomy picture for Thursday, January 1, 2026. The day will begin with a cloudy sky and isolated outbreaks of rain. While some brighter spells may break through in the afternoon, these will be accompanied by further scattered showers, particularly in northern parts of the region.
The key feature of the day will be the cold, with a maximum temperature of just 6°C. This will be compounded by a gusty wind, making it feel even colder for anyone venturing out. The forecast confirms it will be a cold and chilly start to the new year.
Weekend Frosts and Wintry Showers Ahead
The unsettled conditions are expected to continue into the first weekend of 2026. Friday, January 2, will see a mixture of sunny spells and potentially wintry showers throughout the day.
As the weekend arrives, the focus shifts to plummeting overnight temperatures. The Met Office predicts the first weekend of the year will be breezy, with severe frosts expected overnight on both Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4.
Snow Warning for Other Parts of the UK
While Birmingham faces rain, other regions of the UK are preparing for snow. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for northern Scotland.
Snow is forecast to fall across the region for much of New Year's Day, beginning at 6am on January 1 and not clearing until just before midnight. This serves as a reminder of the wintry conditions affecting parts of the country as 2026 gets underway.
For Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, the message is clear: wrap up warm and expect a wet, blustery, and cold introduction to the new year.
