Residents across Leeds are facing a testing Sunday as the city deals with the lingering effects of Storm Goretti. While the peak of the storm has passed, Leeds weather today remains dominated by a biting wind chill and a mix of rain and snow that is complicating travel and outdoor plans across West Yorkshire.
From the snow-dusted hills of Cookridge to the damp pavements of the City Centre, the atmosphere is one of wintry resilience. Whether you are walking the dog in Roundhay Park or heading to Morley for Sunday lunch, the advice remains the same: wrap up warm and check your route before setting off.
Current Conditions: Biting chill and mixed precipitation
As of late morning, Leeds is seeing a messy combination of rain and snow. While the mercury technically reads 1°C, the true story for anyone outside is the -4°C “feels like” temperature.
This significant wind chill is driven by a 13 mph southeast wind. With humidity at a saturated 94%, the air feels heavy and damp, and visibility across higher ground in Pudsey and Headingley remains poor.
Hour-by-Hour Breakdown: A slow thaw
The forecast suggests a gradual transition throughout the day, though conditions will remain far from pleasant.
- Afternoon (until 5:00 PM): The risk of wintry precipitation remains high, with a 57% chance of snow or rain during the daytime hours. Expect grey, overcast skies to persist across the city.
- Late Afternoon High: Temperatures are expected to climb to a maximum of 9°C later today, but this will be a slow process, and the damp air will keep the “real feel” much lower.
- Evening: Conditions are forecast to remain cloudy into the night. The wind will shift slightly to the south, maintaining a steady speed of 13 mph.
Local Impact: Sunday travel and city life
The combination of recent storm damage and current wintry weather is causing specific headaches for Leeds residents today.
Rail Travel Disruptions Rail passengers are facing a difficult day. Northern Rail has issued a “Check Before You Travel” warning due to train crew availability and the impact of the recent weather. Specifically:
- Leeds to York: Services are amended due to ongoing Transpennine Route Upgrade works.
- Leeds to Sheffield: Trains via Moorthorpe are terminating at Wakefield Westgate, with replacement buses in operation.
- LNER & TPE: While services are beginning to return to normal after Storm Goretti, cancellations and delays are still expected across the network.
Roads and Retail In the city centre, the Victoria Quarter and Trinity Leeds are likely to be busy as residents seek shelter from the sleet. Drivers should be wary of surface spray on the A64 and M621, particularly in the exposed areas around Gildersome and Morley.
Schools and Parents With the temperature forecast to drop back down to 1°C tonight, parents should keep an eye on local updates. While no widespread school closures are expected for Monday morning, the high chance of overnight rain (35%) combined with near-freezing temperatures could lead to icy patches on school runs in Pudsey and Horsforth.
Why is this happening?
The current volatility is the result of the departing Storm Goretti, which brought heavy snow and high winds to the UK. Leeds is currently caught in the “wrap-around” moisture of the system, where cold air from the north is meeting lingering Atlantic moisture, resulting in the rain-snow mix we are seeing today.
Short Outlook: Tonight and Monday
The clouds aren’t going anywhere just yet. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low of 1°C.
Looking ahead to Monday morning, commuters should prepare for a grey start. Forecasts suggest a mostly cloudy day with temperatures reaching approximately 9°C (49°F), though it will feel considerably cooler during the early morning peak.
Practical Advice for Leeds Residents
- Footwear: Wear waterproof boots with good grip; suburban side streets in Meanwood and Chapel Allerton may remain slushy.
- Travel: Allow an extra 20-30 minutes for any rail journey involving Northern or TransPennine Express today.
- Home: Ensure outdoor pipes are insulated as temperatures hover near freezing tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Leeds today?
Leeds is currently experiencing a mix of rain and snow with a daytime temperature of 2°C. Despite the reading, it feels significantly colder at -4°C due to wind chill.
Will it snow in Leeds today?
Yes, there is a 45% chance of snow during the current daytime period, with the probability rising to 57% as the day progresses.
How cold will it get in Leeds tonight?
The temperature is forecast to drop to a low of 1°C tonight, with cloudy conditions and a 35% chance of rain.
Is there any travel disruption in Leeds due to the weather?
Following the aftermath of Storm Goretti, there are ongoing reports of rail disruptions. Northern Rail has issued warnings for slippery platforms and service amendments, particularly on routes between Leeds and York and Leeds to Sheffield.
Read More: Leeds daily