Where wintry showers and ice will hit UK after Met Office’s New Year weather warning
The Met Office has issued a new “risk to life” weather warning for heavy snowfall as parts of the UK brace for a blizzard.
A yellow warning for snow and ice covering northern parts of Scotland will be in force from 6am on Thursday, January 1, until 11.59pm on Friday, January 2.
The meteorological agency warned that frequent and heavy snowfall in this region could cause travel disruptions, with up to 30cm of snow falling on the highest routes and hills.
The warning covers the whole of northern Scotland, with the affected areas and local authorities being Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde.
The forecaster predicts that 2-5 cm may accumulate by Thursday evening, 10 cm may accumulate by Friday morning, and up to 20 cm may accumulate above 200 meters.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway added: “We certainly look set to be in for a taste of ‘winter’ as we welcome the new year across the UK, initially in the north but more widely in the first week of 2026.”
“Arctic air and strong northern winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, with particularly strong winds feeling chilly. Widespread and locally hard frosts are also expected, as well as the first snow of the winter for many.
“A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on New Year’s Eve and beyond, where frequent and heavy snowfall may cause some disruption to travel.
“These colder conditions and winter hazards (snow, ice and high winds) will become more common as we move into the New Year.”
Additional weather warnings for snow in parts of Scotland have been upgraded from yellow to amber by the Met Office. Warnings cover northern and north-eastern Scotland; Frequent and prolonged snow showers are expected from Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon.
The forecaster said vehicles could be stranded on the roads, and delays and cancellations of trains and flights were likely. The Met Office said blackouts were likely, as well as power outages to rural communities.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued between midnight and noon on Friday for much of England and Wales, from Chester and Greater Manchester to London and Kent. Up to 5cm of snow could cover some areas, particularly the higher elevations of North Wales and north-west England.
Separate yellow warnings are in place for Northern Ireland between midnight and 10am on Friday.
There is a further snow and ice warning for northern Scotland on Saturday, which will last from midnight Friday until midnight Sunday. Meanwhile, a snow and ice warning covering parts of north-east England will come into force from midnight Friday until midnight Saturday.
People have been urged to prepare for longer journey times by road, bus and train. The forecaster also warned of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces that will quickly develop once the sleet and snow clear.
A Met Office spokesman said: “This warning highlights the risk of devastating snow showers and icy surfaces, particularly in northern and eastern regions, the impacts on travel and potential dangers to the public.
“As temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places, we expect this cold weather to continue over the weekend and next week.”
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow cold health alert for disruption to the healthcare sector covering the north east and north west of England until 5 January. All other areas in England will be under yellow alert during this period.
UKHSA Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “As cold weather sets in, it is vital to check on your most vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
“The predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on some people’s health and lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infection, particularly for people over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
UKHSA has warned that demand for healthcare services across regions is likely to increase. He said while there were also younger people potentially affected by the weather, a drop in temperature led to greater risks for vulnerable people, while a drop in places such as hospitals and care homes could push temperatures below recommended levels for assessing health risks.
He also warned of staffing issues caused by external factors such as travel delays and said other sectors such as transportation and energy could begin to be affected by the weather.
Met Office’s forecast for England on Thursday, January 1
Thursday
During the day, scattered rain and clear snow on the hills towards the south, followed by sunny weather from the north. Northern Scotland experiences frequent snow showers with significant accumulations on the hills. Strong and stormy winds affect the northern and eastern regions. It’s cold everywhere.
Thursday night
Skies are clear for many due to early frost. Sleet and snow then spread to the south of Northern Ireland and parts of England and Wales, while showers continued in the north.
Friday
Patchy rain, sleet and snow are moving south across England and Wales on Friday morning. Snowfall is becoming more common in the north, especially in regions exposed to harsh northern winds.
View from Saturday to Monday
Mostly cold and sunny, with severe night frosts. Snowfall continues to affect many areas exposed to strong northern winds. Risk of more organized sleet and snow at times.
