Weather warnings in place as snow and ice blanket parts of UK
Over the weekend and beyond, snow and ice warnings have spanned much of the UK. For Scotland, Amber snow warnings are in place until noon. Before Monday, yellow snow and ice warnings have been in place along the south-west, north-west and east coast of England, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland. Heavy snowfall has already blanketed areas of Scotland, with the Met Office forecasting up to 40cm (15in) there and 5cm across England and Wales. In parts of northern Scotland, daytime temperatures are forecast to remain unchanged in the low single figures for a large area of the region, but below freezing in some parts of the country. Travel delays and cancellations, traffic jams, and power cuts are anticipated.
The Highland Council has warned that trains could be cancelled or postponed, and that travelers should not travel unless
disruptive snowabsolutely necessary. As a result of the UK's cold Arctic air forces temperatures to plummet, major portions of England, Wales, and Scotland have started 2026 with chilly Arctic air. The Met Office expects sub-zero temperatures to blanket the region, with minimum temperatures of -6C to -8C in some areas of Scotland and -5C in rural areas of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On Saturday, with temperatures barely above zero across the UK, snow showers are predicted in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the south-west and east coast of England, while winter sunshine is anticipated elsewhere. Until 12:00 on Saturday, the more robust Met Officeamber warning in Scotland, which refers to
doctorious snowcausing delays in rail and air travel and other hazardous weather, runs until
blizzard weather. According to the Met Office, these areas could see power cuts and vehicles being stranded. The Scottish gritty and snowplough team is out in force across the country's road network, with names including Sir Andy Flurry, Robert Brrns, and Plougher O'Scotland. On Sunday and Monday, yellow warnings of snow and ice remained in several of the UK's regions that were not covered earlier this weekend, with the last ending on Monday afternoon. The forecaster has a complete list of the affected areas.causes delays in Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and parts of the Highlands are all likely to be affected by
Some parts of Scotland have already been affected by disruption: ScotRail has cancelled some rail services, and there have been rail accidents in Scotland. Multiple accidents were recorded in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire, National Highways, in the meantime, with motorists encouraged to explore alternate routes if possible. In the event of delays, drivers are being encouraged to map routes thoroughly and to pack essentials in your car. Warm clothing, water, a blanket, and ice-scraper are among the primary items to bring.
Wes Streeting, the health minister, has warned that the bitingly cold snap
would put more pressure on NHS hospitals and has urged people to only visit A&E for emergencies. The UK Health Security Agency has issued warnings around England, which are in force until 9 January. The weather is predicted to have a major effect on health and social care services, according to an amber cold health warning. The warning has been sent to the East Midlands, West Midlands', North East, North West, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and London.
According to the UKSA, the predicted temperatures can have a significant effect on certain people's health, resulting in an elevated risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly among people over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions. Due to the chilly weather, there is also an elevated risk of falls. Keep up with the most up-to-date forecast on theBBC Weather website or app as details are likely to change.
