Residents in Banbury, Oxfordshire, should prepare for a sharp weather shift this week as freezing temperatures and heavy snow are expected to turn into an unusually mild weekend. The Met Office forecast indicates that “feels like” temperatures will drop as low as -4°C overnight from Tuesday, February 17, through Thursday, February 19, 2026.
A significant 80 per cent chance of heavy snow is forecast for 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 18, along with wind gusts reaching 37mph. According to Oxfordshire County Council, gritting teams will be working on three-hour salting routes from the Deddington depot to keep local A-roads and bus routes clear.
While local gritters focus on council-managed roads, National Highways is responsible for maintaining the M40 and A43 during the wintry weather. Drivers are advised to be cautious during morning commutes, and residents are encouraged to check on their vulnerable neighbours during the coldest nights.
Conditions will change significantly by the weekend, with daytime high temperatures reaching 13°C on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22. These temperatures are about 5°C above the seasonal average, but the warmth will bring rain that is likely to make parks like Spiceball Park very muddy.
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